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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a variety of star shows and laser concerts in March. Offerings include special programs for children and a sensory-friendly star show. The following programs will be presented:

Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18, 3 p.m.; sensory-friendly show, March 4, 5 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)

The sensory-friendly version is designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. The show is appropriate for audiences of all ages and will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. 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. Content is presented on an elementary school level (grades 1-4).

Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18, 4 p.m.
Lasers “dance” across the Planetarium dome while music is played. Songs include “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens, “Campfire Song Song" by Spongebob Squarepants, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift.  (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, March 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 will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

Laser U2, Saturday, March 4, 18, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser show featuring some of U2’s most popular songs. Selections include “Pride” (“In the Name of Love”), “Beautiful Day,” and “Unforgettable Fire.”

Two Small Pieces of Glass, Saturdays, March 11, 18, 25, 7 p.m.
Trace the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass—using two small pieces of glass—to the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy. Explore the wonders and discoveries made by astronomers during the past 400 years. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Laser Led Zeppelin, March 11, 25, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser show featuring hit songs by Led Zeppelin, including “Battle of Evermore,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Houses of the Holy.”

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, March 25, 3 p.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, Saturday, March 25, 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 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

February 8, 2017

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

PR #100