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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg is planning a number of terrific events in October, including special Halloween theme programs, laser concerts, and astronomy shows that explain the wonders of the universe. The following shows will be presented:

Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, October 6 & 13, 3 p.m.
A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Join the family members as they 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)

Laser Magic, Saturdays, October 6 & 13, 4 p.m.
Listen to music by a variety of artists while lasers “dance” on the dome overhead. 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 Idina Menzel’s rendition of “Let It Go.” (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, October 6, 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)

Laser Grateful Dead, Saturdays, October 6 & 13, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert featuring such classic Grateful Dead hits as “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Sugar Magnolia.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Exploding Universe, Saturday, October 13, 7 p.m.
The universe we see today is the product of explosive events. As the universe has transformed into its current state, even the most elementary particles have endured. The show follows the path of one of these “particles,” a proton, as it participates in nature’s astounding events of rebirth and renewal. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, October 20, 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, October 20, 4 p.m.
This show lets our youngest audience members 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 tunes feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

The Skies over Hogwarts, Saturday, October 20, 7 p.m.
Join our Planetarium’s witches and wizards as they guide you through a Harry Potter-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how J.K. Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters' names. (Recommended for ages 8 and older)

Fright Light laser concert (family version), Saturday, October 20, 8 p.m.; Saturday, October 27, 4 p.m.
The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the Planetarium. They’re especially fond of the songs in this laser concert, including “Time Warp,” “Monster Mash,” and “Thriller.” (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Spooky Skies, Saturday, October 27, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Spooky Skies takes viewers back to medieval Ireland to explore the roots of the Halloween holiday, then goes into the heavens to draw parallels between various celestial objects and famous monsters. What does a werewolf have on an inescapable Black Hole; a noxious, deadly planet like Venus; or a crushing, dangerous supernova? (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Fright Light (PG-13 version), Saturday, October 27, 8 p.m.
This laser concert is not recommended for young viewers or those easily scared. The show features such songs as “Alive” by Meatloaf, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Night Santa Went Crazy” by Weird Al. (Recommended for ages 13-adult)

Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $16 for two shows on the same day. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805. For additional information, 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

September 25, 2018

PR #34