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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a number of programs for all ages in October, including star and laser shows and a special Astronomy Day celebration. The following programs have been scheduled:

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, October 8, 7 p.m.
Join us as we take you on a personally guided tour of the night sky, using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater. Familiarize yourself with some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. We'll also show you how and where in the sky you can find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon laser concert, Saturday, October 8, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert featuring songs from this classic album, including “Speak to Me/Breathe,” “Money,” and “Brain Damaged.”

Black Holes, Saturday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Black Holes takes you on a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a black hole. The program ponders a number of questions about black holes including: Where do they come from? Where do they go?  How do we find them? Is there one on Earth's horizon?  (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

Laser Grateful Dead, Saturday, October 15, 8 p.m.   
Enjoy a laser concert featuring such Grateful Dead tunes as “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Sugar Magnolia.” (Recommended for ages 10 to adult)

Astronomy Day, Saturday, October 15, 2-5 and 6-9 p.m.
Join us for hands-on activities celebrating astronomy and science. Observe the Sun (safely) and the Moon through our telescopes. Use your body to tell time on a sundial. The 3M Observatory will be open for solar observing during the day and peeks of the Moon and other celestial objects in the evening sky. The event is appropriate for families with children ages six and older. Activities are free of charge, but there are costs for star shows and laser concerts.

The following shows are specially designed for younger audiences:

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Monday, October 3, 2 p.m.
Blast off on a journey past the Sun and planets, get to know Mr. Moon Rock, and learn what stars are visible in tonight’s sky. The show offers a musical adventure featuring songs by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

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

Earth, Moon, Sun, and Coyote, Saturdays, October 8 & 15, 3 p.m.
Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun, full-dome show that tells Native American stories; explores lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles; and examines how humans learn through space exploration. (Recommended for ages 8-12)

Laser Magic, Saturdays, October 8 & 15, 4 p.m.; Wednesday, October 12, 3 p.m.     
Enjoy a laser concert featuring a variety of songs including “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)

Perfect Little Planet, Wednesday, October 12, 2 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; and make sure to avoid Jupiter’s lightning storms. Which destination will the family choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)

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. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for close to 50 years, RVCC is an educational and cultural center that is nationally recognized for its innovative programming, service to the community and environmental leadership. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, professional development and personal enrichment courses. The College also has a performing arts center and planetarium.

RVCC is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2016

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

PR #23