In the 2004-2005 school year, the Planetarium showed 699 programs. The Sun’s Family, a third grade show, was chosen the most at 54 times. Forty-four different programs were selected throughout the year. The most shows given in one month was 96 shows in May; 74 were for Merrillville classes and 22 were for outside groups. The most popular month for outside groups was April with 90 shows overall; 47 were for outside groups and 37 were for Merrillville classes.

Attendance for the year totaled 30,438 people. Almost two-thirds were Merrillville students at 18,750 or 62.8%, outside groups had 10,327 people or 33.9%, and public show attendance had 1,361 people or 3.3%.

Most programs are given during the regular school day. Last year’s school day shows totaled 594, evening/weekend shows came to 65, after school shows had 9, and summer had 31 shows. The 2003-2004 school year had the most programs ever with a record-breaking 713 shows.

The income from outside group shows and public show ticket sales actually pay the salaries of the Show Presenters. A small profit is turned over to the school system.