Cernan Earth and Space Center

This weekend I took niece E to the Cernan Earth and Space Center for a family sky show in their planetarium theater. Back in my teenage days I used to frequent this wonderful addition to Tritan college in River Grove. Long ago, I attended sky shows (I've always had an interest in astronomy) but more frequently, their laser light extravaganzas. (Pink Floyd at its best).

The show we saw Sunday contained a mix of a viewing of the current sky and what celestial events are upcoming, a kid-friendly look at time and space travel, as well as a mini-laser show to three pop songs. I was impressed with the advance in laser technology. In addition to geometrical shapes and patterns set to music, there were fun images of animals, people, objects etc.

Here is an excerpt from Tritan College's web site about the center:

"Explore the wonders of the universe and the latest discoveries in astronomy, space exploration, and Earth science at the Cernan Earth and Space Center, a unique space-age facility that combines education and entertainment for people of all ages. Open all year, the Cernan Center is conveniently located at Triton College in Chicago's western suburb of River Grove. The Cernan Center houses a 100-seat dome theater that features star-filled planetarium shows, wraparound films, children's shows and laser light shows, along with a Space Hall and Star Store gift shop."

We didn't have time to view all the exhibits or explore the gift shop, but I promised my niece we'd go back again, especially when she exclaimed on the way out "THIS IS MY KIND OF PLACE"!

To find out more information, visit the site by clicking here