Public Shows
For up-to-the-minute information about Illinois State University Planetarium offerings, call the Planetarium's Skyline at (309) 438-5007 day or night.
Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
The ISU Planetarium presents Laser Fantasy
The Illinois State University Planetarium is offering a unique event the weekend of September 26-28. Experience Laser Fantasy , an incredible series of full-dome laser concerts that will thrill the senses.
Dazzling lasers and music combine to sweep you off your feet as each show explores a different artist or musical genre, from classic rock to country. Included is music of the Beatles, Elton John, Queen, Genesis, Prince, Taylor Swift, Pink Floyd, and other artists.
Special Admission
Admission to this unique planetarium event is only $15 per person. Children 12 years of age and under are $10 through 6 PM. Cash or checks only. Library and other passes are not applicable for this special event.
Tickets may be purchased before each show at the Planetarium door. There are no advanced ticket sales. Seating is limited, so please arrive early!
Laser Fantasy Schedule
Friday, September 26
7:30 PM - Taylor Swift
9:00 PM - Queen
10:30 PM - Rocket Man (Elton John)
12:00 AM - The Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd)
Saturday, September 27
12:00 PM - The Beatles
1:30 PM - Genesis
3:00 PM - Taylor Swift
4:30 PM - Laser Country (Incl. Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, and more.)
6:00 PM - Prince
7:30 PM - Taylor Swift
9:00 PM - Rocket Man (Elton John)
10:30 PM - Queen
12:00 AM - The Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd)
Sunday, September 28
12:00 PM - The Beatles
1:30 PM - Prince
3:00 PM - Taylor Swift
4:30 PM - The Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd)
NASA's International Observe the Moon Night Celebration at the ISU Planetarium
You are invited to join the Illinois State University Planetarium, ISU Astronomy Club, and Twin City Amateur Astronomers for NASA's International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
This event will be held at the ISU Planetarium, with a free planetarium show and hands-on activities celebrating the Moon at 2 PM and 7 PM. An astronomical observing session, using large telescopes, will follow at 8 PM, weather permitting.
International Observe the Moon Night is a worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our Moon and its connection to space science, exploration, and human culture. This annual event connects scientists, educators and lunar enthusiasts from around the world.
International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, with many contributors. LRO is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
To learn more about International Observe the Moon Night, please visit https://moon.nasa.gov/observe
This exciting event is free and open to all!
The ISU Planetarium is pleased to offer Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe
This unique planetarium show intertwines science and mythology. Mayan Archaeoastronomy takes viewers on a poetic journey, exploring how the ancient Mayans viewed and understood the Universe.
This feast of colors and sounds makes for an artistic interpretation of the Universe that you’ll long remember. Stunning 360° visuals create the impression of being inside a beautiful, stylized painting.
Mayan Archaeoastronomy runs weekends from September 5 through November 15.
Fridays at 7:30 PM, and Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
There are no presentation of Mayan Archaeoastronomy September 19-27, with musical laser-concerts under the ISU Planetarium dome these weekends, or during NASA's International Observe the Moon Night, October 4.
The ISU Planetarium offers online and free: Legends of the Night Sky - Perseus and Andromeda
Thank you to Joanne Young and Audio Visual Imagineering for making this show available!
Admission and Policies
Tickets for the ISU Planetarium's public shows may be purchased in the Planetarium Gift Shop beginning 20 minutes before each show.
Admission for the Plantarium's regular programs is:
Preschoolers (Ages 3-4) . . . $5.00
Children (Ages 5-12) . . . $6.00
Adults (Ages 13-59 ) . . . $7.00
Seniors (Ages 60 and older) . . $6.00
ISU faculty, staff, students . . . $6.00
Cash and checks only. Sorry, but no debit or credit cards accepted. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are interested in scheduling a private show for your school or community group then please call the Illinois State University Planetarium about special presentations at (309) 438-2496 during regular business hours, Mondays through Fridays!
Location and Parking
The white-domed Illinois State University Planetarium is located at the east end of Felmley Hall of Science, on the corner of College Avenue and School Street, in Normal.
Inexpensive parking for weekday programs is available in the ISU visitor lot, located on Locust Street.
Free parking for the Friday 7:30 PM show, and Saturday 2 PM and 7:30 PM shows is available a short distance from the ISU Planetarium in University parking lot F-67, located on the east side of School Street.
