“Being able to do computer-generated graphics and full imagery across the dome has radically changed what role a planetarium can serve in a community,” says Director Erik Johnson.
Indeed, the William M. Staerkel Planetarium has hosted everything from Taylor Swift and Pink Floyd-themed laser shows to bioengineering and avian study lectures.
Here, we will help organize the diverse – and frankly unexpected – resources and programming gracing the planetarium year-round.
Aside from learning information like Jupiter’s Great Red Spot being able to fit three Earths or the astounding age of our local solar system (4.57 billion years old), audiences can now experience an assortment of performances and community-suggested events.
After taking over the second-largest planetarium in Illinois, Johnson’s plans for expansion were initially thwarted by COVID-19 shutting the site down for 17 months. Recovering from the shutdown, the planetarium has since opened itself further to guests’ suggestions and ideas.
Director Johnson has strived to find new ways to engage with the community and use their status as the second-largest planetarium in the state to their advantage.
At the precipice of this is listening to feedback from staff and community members.
Accessibility Efforts and Sensory-Friendly Shows
Staerkel Planetarium does not stop its mission of accessibility at full wheelchair accommodations.
Staerkel offers programs in Spanish and having options like sensory-friendly “lights up, sound down” shows catering to young children or those with autism spectrum disorder and sensory sensitivities.
Staerkel has worked with The Autism Program (TAP) at the University of Illinois to provide downloadable social stories to ease the visiting experience for a wider range of audience members.
Staerkel was the recipient of a local grant, using the funds to purchase a limited number of “compression vests, weighted lap pads, seat cushions, plush toys, many different fidgets, and stress balls” to aid with comfort
Ongoing Fine Arts Collaboration
“I feel having this more open space allows us to have a greater flexibility in the types of programming we offer here,” says Johnson.
The planetarium ripped out a quadrant of seating to host “Silent Sky,” its first-ever full theatrical production. This decision was made, in part, to commit itself to a more diverse programming portfolio that caters to a wider audience.
Apart from the aforementioned light shows and lectures, the planetarium also hosts wind ensemble concerts and has expressed that it is open to other creative endeavors.
The most recent proposition for this open space is in partnership with PYGMALION, Champaign-Urbana’s annual curation of worldwide talents.
The event regularly hosts modern heavy hitters across several categories.
Recently, PYGMALION picked up performances from 2024’s most awarded Australian Recording Industry Association artist, comedy specials from Queerty award winners, and panel discussions from music industry professionals.
The full extent of Staerkel and PYGMALION’s partnership was kept confidential.
Johnson encouraged readers to keep an eye on PYGMALION’s website and social media as they gear up for their Sept. 18-20 dates.
Community Engagement
Staerkel Planetarium is not only home to Parkland’s astronomy club but also a hub for all sorts of curiosities.
Instead of being confined to its own dome, the planetarium lends out a number of services and equipment to interested groups. Telescope rentals, traveling astronomy discussions and special event rentals are only a few of the options offered to the community.
Staerkel has a long history of hosting field trips and birthday parties for school-aged children and older. The planetarium also hosts “yoga under the stars” events for staff and faculty, as well as the occasional wedding and photo gallery experience.
Johnson says the planetarium is “always open for consideration for what you’d like to do with us.” From their list of past demands, it seems they mean it!
What to take away
Director Johnson leaves us and the audience at home with the staff’s hopes for the planetarium’s impact:
“I just try to help make anybody who comes to visit more excited about the universe. All of our presenters, myself included, love looking at this stuff.”
“If there’s one little thing that makes you a little bit more excited about the universe that you got to see during the show, then I’ve done my job.”
– Director Erik Johnson
Staerkel Planetarium’s Calendar | Accessibility Resources & Info | Staerkel General Landing Page
