Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend

Yahn Planetarium, part of the School of Science complex at Penn State Behrend, welcomes stargazers of all ages to learn about the universe and worlds beyond our reach. The planetarium continues the legacy of the Erie Planetarium, which served the Erie community for more than fifty years.

A Celestial Treat: A Total Solar Eclipse Coming to Erie! (Full description in text.)

April 3: The Science of Solar Eclipses

Join us on Wednesday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m. in 180 Burke for A Celestial Treat: A Total Solar Eclipse Coming to Erie, a talk by Dr. Darren Williams, professor of astronomy and astrophysics. The total solar eclipse in Erie on April 8 is an extremely rare astronomical spectacle. On that day, the moon will cast a shadow that touches Erie for three minutes and forty seconds. Dr. Williams will discuss how eclipses occur and describe what to expect in Erie on the day of the eclipse. Each attendee will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses, while supplies last.

Erie, PA, Total Solar Eclipse Timeline showing stages from 2:02 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 8, 2024

April 8: Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Get ready for a celestial spectacle! Penn State Behrend and Erie, Pennsylvania, are in the "path of totality" for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Yahn Planetarium entrance and display area

Public Show Information

Admission fees are $5 for adults; $3 for children age 12 and under; and free for Penn State employees, Penn State students, and children under age 2. 

Public shows are on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. (children’s program) and 11:30 a.m. (general audience). Reservations are not required for most regular Saturday shows but are required to guarantee seating at special shows, including special Totality! showings.

School and group programs are available.

Get free eclipse viewing glasses with paid public show admission, while supplies last!

Program poster for Larry Cat in Space. Event description in text.

Current Show: Children’s Program

Larry Cat in Space: Follow Larry Cat as he somehow ends up on the moon in Larry Cat in Space, showing at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. We’ll learn about gravity and discuss what it would be like to live on the moon. We could even see a solar eclipse from the moon someday! Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Note: There are no shows on April 6 or May 11.

Program posters for Totality! Event description in text.

Current Show: General Audience

Totality! Don’t miss this special eclipse-focused program, showing at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, before the April 8 solar eclipse. You’ll learn about why eclipses happen, how to view them safely, and where you need to be to capture this beautiful event. Recommended for ages 9 and older.

  • There are no regular shows on April 6 or May 11. 
  • Special reserved showings of Totality! are scheduled on Saturday, April 6, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These shows are sold out.
A group of children plays with a Mars rover model at Yahn Planetarium.

Group Visits and Other Programs

Yahn Planetarium offers out-of-this-world experiences for groups, from schools to scouts. Learn how to schedule your field trip and see what programs are available. You can also find activities that you can do at home.