Membership Program
Printable Brochure & Membership Application
Our Universe is Expanding
The mission of the Cernan Earth and Space Center is to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of the incredible Universe in which we live. Your membership supports our efforts and comes with benefits.
The heart of the Cernan Center is the Planetarium where programs take audiences of all ages on dramatic voyages of discovery. Astronomy and space exploration are frequent topics, but some shows address other sciences, such as geology, meteorology, engineering, paleontology – even astrobiology. Other programs explore history, culture, art, music and more.
The Planetarium also presents Cosmic Light Shows where brilliant laser light, fulldome digital effects and thousands of stars perform to the amazing music of artists, such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift and many others.
While here, browse the unique selection of gifts for science enthusiasts of all ages in the Star Store Gift Shop and take advantage of the free parking.
How is our Universe Expanding?
Since 2015, the Cernan Earth and Space Center has undergone numerous technical upgrades.
- 2015 – Installation of a fulldome digital projection system and new seating
- 2019 – New computers and software to drive the digital Planetarium
- 2019-2025 – Incremental improvements to the sound system to provide real 5.1 surround sound
- 2022-2023 – Addition of the interactive touch table in the exhibit hall running Stellar Playground or Colonize Mars software
- 2025 – Installation of a new laser phosphor digital projector to replace the 10-year-old original one.
2026? – Several projects are in development now, but we cannot say what they are or when they might occur.
For current program/schedule information:
- Visit our website at Triton.edu/Cernan
- Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/cernancenter
- Email cernan@triton.edu
Membership Benefits
- Unlimited FREE Admission to Regular Scheduled Public Planetarium Programs - For individual named on the membership and the number of guests based on the membership level
- Email Updates - Receive the latest news and reminders delivered electronically
- Quarterly Mailing - Printed material about programs and events, including monthly sky calendars
- Abrams Sky Calendar - A detailed overview of what is visible in the sky each month
- Invitations to Special Events - Preview new shows or enjoy a guest speaker
- Discount in the Star Store - Receive 10% off your purchase with your membership card
- Member Telescope Loan Program - Check out a basic telescope for a month for your own use for FREE
- FREE or Reduced Admission to Hundreds of other Museums - As a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers Passport Program, our members can receive free or reduced admission to more than 300 institutions across the United States and around the world just by presenting your membership card. See astc.org/passport for a list.
What is ASTC?
The Association of Science and Technology Centers is a global organization representing nearly 700 institutions in over 50 countries whose innovative approaches to science learning inspire people of all ages about the wonders and meaning of science in their lives.
Members include science centers, planetariums (like the Cernan Earth and Space Center), nature centers, aquariums, zoos and botanical gardens, plus natural history and children’s museums, as well as companies, consultants, and organizations who share an interest and passion for informal science and STEM education.
USING THE ASTC TRAVEL PASSPORT PROGRAM
Call before you visit other museums to confirm your Passport Program Benefits
As a member of an institution that participates in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, you are eligible for benefits, such as free GENERAL ADMISSION when you travel outside of your local area to other participating institutions (Check astc.org/passport for benefit details).
These benefits DO NOT include free or discounted admission to special exhibits, planetarium and large screen theater presentations, nor do they include museum store discounts and other benefits associated with museum membership unless stated otherwise.
ASTC Passport Exclusions
- Science centers and museums located within 90 miles* of the Cernan Earth and Space Center
- Science centers and museums located within 90 miles* of the visitor’s residence
* This distance is measured “as the crow flies,” meaning it is based on the linear radius, not driving distance
Sign me up
Choose your Membership
- Skywatcher - $50: This INDIVIDUAL membership admits the named individual and one guest to Cernan shows. When visiting another ASTC site, only the named individual will receive passport benefits. Any other guests will not.
- Star Cluster - This FAMILY membership will admit the named individual, one other adult and four children to Cernan shows (Check astc.org/passport for benefit details)
Printable Brochure & Membership Application