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The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg will present a variety of star and laser shows for all ages and interests in May, including a special show designed for children on the Autism spectrum. The following presentations have been scheduled:

The Little Star that Could, Saturdays, May 5 & 12, 3 p.m.
Travel with an average yellow star on his quest to get a “name” and a planet to call his own. A “cool” red star, a “hot” blue star, a dying star, double stars and the Milky Way Galaxy teach Little Star some important things about being a star. Imagine Little Star’s surprise when he discovers that planets rotate around him. The show offers a great introduction to the different kinds of stars in space, as well as the planets in our solar system. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Magic, Saturdays, May 5 & 12, 4 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert featuring songs by a variety of artists. Selections 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,” Saturday, May 5, 5 p.m.
The sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, which is appropriate for audiences of all ages, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. It will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to everyone. During the show, which is approximately 45 minutes in length, 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. All material will be presented on a very basic, kindergarten level.

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, May 5, 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 will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Classic Rock, Saturdays, May 5 & 12, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert featuring a variety of classic rock songs such as “Touch of Gray” (Grateful Dead), “Houses of the Holy” (Led Zeppelin), “Another One Bites the Dust (Queen), “You Took the Words Right out of My Mouth” (Meatloaf), “Come Sail Away” (Styx) and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (Beatles).

SETI: The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence, Saturdays, May 12 & 19, 7 p.m.
S.E.T.I. – The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence explores many sides of this popular topic, including the discovery of planets around other stars, the feasibility of traveling to the stars, the possible characteristics of aliens, the feasibility that UFOs have been visiting, and the various methods that scientists are using to reach out to them. The program also includes a tour of the current night sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, May 19, 3 p.m.
Audience members may put on their space suits 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, Saturday, May 19, 4 p.m.
The 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)

Best of Pink Floyd laser concert, Saturday, May 19, 8 p.m.
Lasers dance across the Planetarium dome while Pink Floyd classic tunes are played. Songs include “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2” and “Money.”

Planetarium show tickets cost $8 for one show or $14 for two shows on the same day. Reservations are strongly suggested for all Planetarium shows. For additional information or to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or 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

April 11, 2018

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

PR #142