Hallstrom
Planetarium Gift Shop
Visit our gift shop at the Planetarium entrance after the show, featuring planispheres, books and of course, astronaut ice cream! The gift shop is open during all public events.
Classroom Field Trips
Curriculum-based planetarium shows are available to K-12 public, private and homeschool classes on weekday mornings from October through May. Teachers may call starting August 21 to book field trips by dialing 772-462-7503.
Want to Learn More About Telescopes and Backyard Astronomy?
IRSC offers classes in astronomy, stargazing and telescopes for both sky watchers and serious astronomy students. Learn more at irsc.edu/community/planetarium.
Also, the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society (TCAS) provides telescopic views of the heavens after shows and hosts meetings at the Planetarium on the last Tuesday of each month. For details, email arsenal1957@att.net.
IRSC Box Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
McAlpin Fine Arts Center
3209 Virginia Avenue • Fort Pierce, FL 34981 Call 772-462-4750 or 1-800-220-9915.
Purchase Starlight Series tickets in person at the Box Office, by phone or online at irsc.edu/community/planetarium using a credit or debit card.
Tickets are only $7, except where noted.
Kid Space
Programs for children ages 4-12 are offered on select Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Shows feature stars and constellations that can be found in the current evening sky. $7 per person.
Stars to Starfish, Jr.
Explore the Earth’s oceans, and discover the ocean of stars above!
Oct. 21; Nov. 4, 18, 2023
Ornaments in the Sky
Bright celestial objects shine in the sky as winter approaches.
Dec. 2, 9, 2023
Trip Through Space
A kid’s tour of the Universe, from the planets to stars, galaxies and black holes!
Jan. 20; Feb. 3; March 2, 2024
Daughter of the Stars
Beautiful Native American stories about the sky and its constellations, gathered from all across the land. April 20; May 11; June 15, 2024
Indian River State College
Brinkley Science Center
3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida irsc.edu • 1-866-792-4772
Indian River State College
Hallstrom Planetarium
IRSC is an EA/EO educational institution.
2023–2024
Welcome to the IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium
The Hallstrom Planetarium features a fully-immersive digital projection system and a state-of-the-art Spitz 512 planetarium projector. It recreates the sky, sun, moon and planets among the stars on the 40-foot, domed planetarium ceiling.
View tonight’s sky, see how it appeared thousands of years ago, or look into the distant future for a glimpse of how it may appear from our location or anywhere in the world—or universe!
Planetarium shows are suitable for adults, families and children over the age of 10. The air temperature is maintained at 72 degrees. You may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket.
Skywatch
Listen to one-minute updates of the sky and astronomy at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. and 12:59 p.m. on WQCS radio, 88.9 FM, and at 7:59 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. on WQCP radio, 91.1 FM, Monday through Friday.
Hosted by IRSC Planetarium Director
Jon U. Bell
772-462-7515 • jbell@irsc.edu
2023–2024 STARLIGHT SERIES
Shows are presented Fridays at 7:00 & 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 & 2:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets are only $7, except where noted, and go on sale starting August 22. Indicates FREE STEAM Talks.
Planetarium Open House & STEAM Talk: See the Stars
Find out what shows and sky events are coming up in 2023–2024. This event is free!
Sept. 23 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Sky Event: Partial Solar Eclipse Watch
Free, safe guided viewing will be conducted by the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society, Hallstrom Planetarium and IRSC’s student astronomy club. Seen as a partial eclipse on the Treasure Coast (nearly 65% of the sun’s disc obscured by the moon at maximum), the eclipse begins at approximately 11:55 a.m. and ends at 3:07 p.m.
Oct. 14 • 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Stars to Starfish
We explore the Universe; and we also explore the Earth’s watery seas, connecting the oceans below us with the ocean of stars above.
Oct. 20, 21 & Nov. 3, 4, 17, 18
Star of Wonder
An astronomer’s search for the mystery of the Nativity Star, a Hallstrom Planetarium tradition since 1993.
Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9
Tis the Season
The McAlpin Fine Arts Center and Hallstrom Planetarium team up for a day of music, food & stars. A 2:00 p.m. symphonic band concert, followed at 4:00 p.m. by festive food and drink, finishing with showings of “Star of Wonder” at 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., plus telescope views of the sky. All for just $50!
Dec. 2 • Concert at 2:00 p.m., Reception from 4:00–6:00 p.m., Planetarium Show at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.*
South for The Winter
See the stars change in the sky as you travel from Earth’s northern hemisphere all the way south to Antarctica.
Jan. 19, 20, Feb. 2, 3 & March 1, 2
Astronomy Day & STEAM Talk
Free open house with a NASA STEAM Talk at 5:00 p.m. and TCAS telescopes. Feb. 17 • 3:00–9:00 p.m.
STEAM Talk: Robots and AI—
The Past, Present and Future Free lecture about robotics and artificial intelligence by IRSC Electronics Engineering Technology Professor Paul Godfrey. March 30 • 6:00–6:45 p.m.
Sky Event: Partial Solar Eclipse Watch
Free, safe guided viewing of a solar eclipse, courtesy of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society. This total eclipse will be seen as a partial eclipse (60% at maximum at 3:03 p.m.). The eclipse begins here at 1:48 p.m. and ends at 4:16 p.m. April 8 • 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Black Holes
Narrated by John de Lancie (“Q” from Star Trek), the show discusses the ins and the outs of black holes—actually, unless worm holes exist, there are no “outs” when we’re talking about black holes! A live star talk at the end of the program points out where you can find black holes in the sky.
April 19, 20, May 10, 11 & June 14, 15
STEAM Talk: The Celestial Tapestry Free lecture showing the connection between art and astronomy.
April 27 • 6:00–6:45 p.m.
STEAM Talk: The Science in Science Fiction Free lecture about good and bad science found in books, films and TV shows about science fiction, fantasy and space opera.
May 25 • 6:00–6:45 p.m.
*Make your reservations early to select either the 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. “Star of Wonder” performance on Dec. 2, as this show is very popular and your preferred show time may sell out.
