Staerkel Planetarium

Staerkel Planetarium is an astronomy facility in Champaign with a Carl Zeiss M1015 star projector. The projector displays around 7,600 stars and celestial patterns on a 15-meter (50-foot) aluminum dome.

The facility opened in October 1987 under the leadership of William M. Staerkel, first president of Parkland College. It was built as part of a broader cultural center development on the campus.

The lobby displays a solar window by Arthur Stern and the mural 'Cosmic Blink' by Billy Morrow Jackson, which portrays humanity's search for astronomical knowledge. These artworks give visitors a sense of how art and science come together in this space.

The facility seats 144 visitors and hosts science shows on Friday and Saturday evenings. Schools and private groups can arrange additional specialized programs.

It houses the first Carl Zeiss M1015 opto-mechanical star projector ever installed in the western hemisphere. This rare piece of equipment makes it a special place for astronomy.

Location: Champaign

GPS coordinates: 40.13230,-88.29120

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42