FORT PIERCE, FLA (June 12, 2025) – Get ready to blast off into wonder as the Hallstrom Planetarium at Indian River State College launches its stellar 2025-2026 Starlight Series. This season invites audiences to embark on cosmic adventures through immersive shows, hands-on workshops, and celestial events designed to ignite curiosity in astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. This milestone 33rd season promises to deliver universe-expanding experiences that will leave visitors starstruck. Tickets can be purchased on July 14, 2025.
The 2025–2026 Starlight Series features immersive shows and presentations about astronomy and space. The season lineup is as follows:
Planetarium Open House (Aug. 30, 6-9 p.m.) – Get a sneak peek at the upcoming season’s stellar lineup! Discover what cosmic events are lighting up the night sky and meet the team that brings the universe to your fingertips. Perfect for curious stargazers wondering what adventures await in the dome. Tickets: FREE
Starlight Series Shows (Fridays at 7 & 8:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 & 3 p.m., Tickets: $7)
- Always Above/Searching for Satellites (Sept. 12, 13, 26, 27) – Learn about the U.S. Space Force, its mission, and outer space wonders. Then, we’ll show you how you can watch all those orbiting satellites that appear in our skies after sunset or before dawn.
- Saturn, Jewel of the Heavens (Oct. 10, 11, 24, 25, Nov. 7, 8) – Discover the ringed planet as it appears in our evening skies this fall. We’ll share with you its beauty and show you where it shines.
- Ornaments in the Sky (Nov. 21, 22) – Observe bright objects adorning the winter skies like holiday ornaments. This season of light shines out with magnificent celestial decorations!
- Star of Wonder (Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13) – An astronomer’s search for the mystery of the Nativity Star, a Hallstrom Planetarium tradition since 1993.
- Rocket Science (March 6, 7, April 3, 4, 17, 18) – On March 16, 1926, American scientist Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket. Celebrate his pioneering rocket engineering achievements, then see how far we have gone since thanks to his genius and foresight!
Starlight Series Special Events
- ‘Tis the Season (Dec. 6, 1-5 p.m.) – Join us for the 3rd Annual Indian River State College Performing Arts and Hallstrom Planetarium holiday event! The festivities start at 1 p.m. with a delightful reception. Then experience the joy of the holidays with Sounds of the Season, a lively instrumental concert showcasing the talents of our students. Cap off your Yuletide afternoon at 4 p.m. in the Hallstrom Planetarium with the sparkling show Ornaments in the Sky. Holiday reception sponsored by the Indian River State College Alumni Association. [G]
Tickets: $50 - Astronomy Day (Jan. 24, 3-9 p.m.) – Open house with NASA STEAM Talk at 5 PM and telescope viewing courtesy of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society.
Tickets: FREE - Laser Light Shows (Feb. 6-21) – A variety of classical, popular, and rock music, all choreographed with full-dome lasers and planetarium special effects! Choreography shows include classical, popular, and rock music like the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.
Tickets: $12 – $15
In addition to the Starlight Series, the planetarium provides standalone educational workshops and programs available throughout the year.
- Wednesday Workshops (first Wednesday monthly, 7:30 p.m.) Tickets: $25
- Nov. 5: All About Telescopes
- Dec. 3: Discover the Planets
- Jan. 7: Star Maps
- Feb. 4: Constellation Stories
- March 4: Rockets and Space Probes
- April 1: Is There Anybody Out There?
- Kid Space (select Saturdays, 11 a.m.) – Programs for children ages 4-12 featuring current evening sky constellations on Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, March 7, April 4, and April 18.
Tickets: $7
The Hallstrom Planetarium is the Treasure Coast’s only planetarium and one of just 19 in Florida. We are located at 3209 Virginia Ave. on Indian River State College’s Massey Campus in Fort Pierce, providing astronomy enthusiasts with an immersive cosmic experience close to home.
Beginning July 14, tickets to these events can be purchased online, by phone at 772-462-4750, or at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center in Fort Pierce.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
About the Hallstrom Planetarium: The Hallstrom Planetarium features a fully immersive digital projection system and state-of-the-art Spitz 512 projector, recreating celestial views on a 40-foot domed ceiling. Shows transport audiences through time and space, suitable for adults, families, and children over age 10.
Hallstrom Planetarium Contact: Jon U. Bell, Planetarium Director, jbell@irsc.edu
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Walter, Public Information Officer, kwalter1@irsc.edu
Rodrigo Berlanga Rodriguez, Public Relations Coordinator, rberlanga@irsc.edu
