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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present star shows and laser concerts for audiences of all ages in November, as well as a meditation program and a special astronomy and music show designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. The following programs will be offered:

Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Saturdays, November 4, 11, and 18, 3 p.m.

Adventure through the solar system in the Cardboard Rocket. Travel with two children and their navigator, the talking astronomy book. Visit the Sun, the planets, the Moon, and more. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Kids, Saturdays, November 4, 11, and 18, 4 p.m.

Sing along to a fun playlist while lasers “dance” on the dome overhead. Songs include “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, and “Can’t Stop this Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

The Sky Above (sensory-friendly), Saturday, November 4, 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.

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, November 4, 7 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—located right outside the Planetarium—will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Concert, Saturdays, November 4, 11, 18, 8 p.m.

Enjoy songs from Pink Floyd’s hit album while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Time,” “Money,” and “Eclipse.”  (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Sunset Meditation, Friday, November 10, 7 p.m.

How do STEM workers, NASA professionals, athletes, and business executives cope with stress? Mindfulness. Meditation is a powerful tool for maintaining psychological health and resilience. Since the Planetarium offers a dark and quiet space for relaxation, it is the perfect place for meditation. Enjoy a guided meditation experience in the comfortable, reclined seats in the RVCC Planetarium. Relax under a night sky filled with stars, then travel from Earth to beyond our galaxy. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI, Saturdays, November 11 and 18, 7 p.m.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI has 5,000 independently operated robots that can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. Join us as we explore the science, instrument, and people behind this global endeavor.

Rockin’ Rocket Ride Pajama Night, Friday, November 17, 7 p.m.

Put on your pajamas or your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show features selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

The Planetarium is closed Thanksgiving weekend, November 23-26.

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 or email planet@raritanval.edu. 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

October 17, 2023

PR #19