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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg has something for everyone in July, including laser concerts, shows for children and Harry Potter lovers, and a presentation that lets audiences “experience” a rocket launch. The following shows have been scheduled:

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25, 2:30 p.m.; Friday, July 20, 11 a.m.
Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. The show offers a lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

SkyLights, Wednesdays, July 11 & 25, 3:30 p.m.
Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while other songs feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

Perfect Little Planet, Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, 2:30 p.m.
A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet; sail through the rings of Saturn; feel Jupiter’s lightning storms; and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination will the family choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Kids 2018, Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, 3:30 p.m.
This kid-friendly laser show, with an updated song list, entertains with music while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Try Everything” from the movie Zootopia, “YMCA” by the Village People, and “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Attack of the Space Pirates, Thursdays, July 12 & 26, 4:30 p.m.
The starship Intrepid races across the galaxy in a desperate bid to prevent space pirates from locating a powerful alien technology that threatens the fate of the galaxy. Can Intrepid's crew solve the science clues leading to exotic places on foreign planets, defend against the space pirate fleet, and rescue the device before the pirates obtain it? (Recommended for ages 10 and older)

Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Friday, July 13, 7 p.m.; Friday, July 20, noon
Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"? This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

Astronomy Tonight, Friday, July 13, 8 p.m.
Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Laser Hollywood, Fridays, July 13 & 27, 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 28, 4 p.m.
Themes from some of everyone’s favorite movies have inspired this new laser concert, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pink Panther, Star Wars, and Beverly Hills Cop. (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

Storybooks in Space, Wednesday, July 18, 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy story time in the Planetarium as youngsters and their families learn about the stars and planets. There is no extra charge for stuffed animal friends. (Recommended for ages 4-8)

The Alien Who Stole Christmas, Friday, July 20, 7 p.m.
It’s Christmas in July at the RVCC Planetarium. Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps him. The kids on the other planets also need presents. (Recommended for ages 6-10).

Astronaut, Friday, July 20, 8 p.m.
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. But what does it take to become an astronaut? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of “Chad,” a test astronaut. Then explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. The presentation is made possible with a grant from FirstEnergy Foundation. (Recommended for ages 10 and older)

Winter Wonder Lights, Friday, July 20, 9 p.m.
The Christmas in July celebration continues as audience members listen to holiday hits such as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” and “Dominic the Donkey” while lasers dance on the dome overhead. (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

The Skies over Hogwarts, Friday, July 27, 7 & 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 28, 2 & 3 p.m.
Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! Join our Planetarium’s witches and wizards as they guide you through a Harry Potter-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how J.K. Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters' names. (Recommended for ages 8 and older)

Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, or $16 for two shows on the same day. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2018

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #162