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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will present in-person laser concerts and star shows for all ages in February, as well as special programs to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Face masks are required in all campus buildings, including in the Planetarium. The Planetarium also will have reduced capacity seating and social distancing will be followed.

The following shows will be offered at the Planetarium in Branchburg:

Follow the Drinking Gourd, Saturdays, February 5 & 12, 3 p.m.
Learn how to find the Big Dipper and other stars in our night sky. Then, we’ll go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression. The Big Dipper guides the group through a frightful but rewarding voyage. Sing along with the slaves who used the song of the Drinking Gourd to travel north on foot from Alabama to Canada. Based on Jeanette Winters’ same-titled book, the show describes the astronomy behind the slave song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”  (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Magic, Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 4 p.m.
Enjoy a laser show featuring music by a variety of artists. Songs include “We Are All Made of Stars” by Moby, “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

The Sky Above (sensory-friendly) Saturday, February 5, 5 p.m.
This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark), and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations.

Our Lovely Skies, Saturdays, February 5 & 12, 7 p.m.
Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful stellar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love stories in the sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Laser Love, Saturdays, February 5 & 12, 8 p.m.; Monday, February 14, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert celebrating love, with songs featuring “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Monday evening performance is for adult couples only, while the Saturday shows are open to everyone.

Romancing the Stars, Monday, February 14, 7 p.m.
It’s date night at the Planetarium!  Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe in a show focusing on stars, constellations, songs, and stories—all celebrating love. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for couples ages 16 and older only.

Earth, Moon, Sun and Coyote, Saturday, February 19, 3 p.m.
Coyote thinks he knows everything about the sky, but is surprised by how many misconceptions he really has about eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

To Worlds Beyond, Saturdays, February 19 & 26, 7 p.m.
Discover what stars are visible in tonight’s sky. Then take an amazing journey through our solar system, visiting each of the planets as well as the most famous dwarf planet, Pluto. The show features beautiful images taken from orbiting satellites, blended with high-end animations and current information about our neighborhood of planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the program. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Laser Queen, Saturdays, February 19 & 26, 8 p.m.
The legendary music of Queen transcends time, and this show may rock you right out of your seat! Did you know that the lead guitarist, Brian May, is an astrophysicist? Come rock the cosmos in a blaze of light, sound, and color in a laser concert featuring some of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “We Are the Champions.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, February 26, 3 p.m.
Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show offers selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

SkyLights, Saturday, February 26, 4 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)

Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2022

PR #68