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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present star shows and laser concerts for all ages in May, including children’s programs and a laser show featuring music by Pink Floyd. In addition, a special Astronomy Day will offer hands-on activities. The following programs will be offered:

The Little Star that Could, Saturdays, May 4 & 11, 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 Kids, Saturdays, May 4 & 11, 4 p.m.
Kids and kids at heart will enjoy singing along while lasers dance on the Planetarium dome overhead. Songs include “Try Everything” from the movie Zootopia, “YMCA” by the Village People, and “Everything is Awesome” from the Lego Movie. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, May 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-adult)

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon laser concert, Saturdays, May 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.”

Astronomy Day, Saturday, May 11, 2-5 p.m. & 6-9 p.m.
The Planetarium will present an Astronomy Day featuring hands-on activities celebrating astronomy and science. Observe the Sun (safely) and the Moon through telescopes, and 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. Astronomy Day activities are free of charge, but there are additional costs for star shows and laser concerts.

Astronaut, Saturdays, May 11 & 18, 7 p.m.
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. But what does it take to become an astronaut? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of “Chad,” a test astronaut. Then explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. The presentation is made possible with a grant from FirstEnergy Foundation.

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, May 18, 3 p.m.
Put on 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)

SkyLights, Saturday, May 18, 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 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.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2019

PR #126