
Ward Beecher Planetarium continues its 2024-25 season through May. The schedule includes astronomical programs for adults, families and children.
The planetarium is located at 100 Lincoln Ave. on the campus of Youngstown State University.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free.
Call 330-941-1370 for program information or visit www.wbplanetarium.org…. The planetarium also maintains social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
The remainder of the season appears below.
MARCH
Moons: Worlds of Mystery. When people consider the solar system, they often think of the sun and its planets. But what about moons? What role do they play? Delve into what moons look like and how they contribute to our knowledge of the solar system. 8 p.m., March 21-22, 28-29. A matinee occurs 2 p.m., Saturday, March 29.
Sky Wars: Battles of Discovery. Follow the struggles as new discoveries alter our view of Earth and its place in the universe. Voyage into the galaxy to glimpse how future discoveries might start new battles about the sky above. Programs occur on Saturdays. 2 p.m., March 22.
APRIL
Spring Skywatch. This live, traditional star program covers the current night sky, constellation lore and astronomical events. Programs occur Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., April 4-5.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. This family program begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend Hu Hu Zhu visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo, and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on a discovery of the sun, moon and stars as they learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the moon. 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 12, 19.
Firefall. Throughout Earth’s violent history, comets and asteroids have shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today with harmless meteors and mountain-sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth. Terrifying and majestic, these invaders from space are capable of utter destruction, yet they have delivered life-giving water and most of the organic materials necessary for life. Programs occur on Fridays and Saturdays. 8 p.m., April 11-12, 18-19.
Explore Our Universe LIVE! Starship Ward Beecher will embark on a tour of the universe real time. 8 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, April 26.
MAY
Visitor Appreciation Weekend. Ward Beecher Planetarium, 100 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown 44555. Vote for any show on this year’s schedule and the planetarium will run the winner one more time. May 2-3.
Metro Monthly is a local news and events magazine based in Youngstown, Ohio. We circulate throughout the Mahoning Valley and offer print and online editions. Be sure to visit our publication’s website for news, features, local history, and the Metro Monthly Calendar. Office: 330-259-0435.
© 2025 Metro Monthly. All rights reserved.