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From star shows and laser concerts focusing on love, to programs featuring the current night sky, to special shows for children, the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg has offerings for all ages and interests in February. The following programs will be offered:

Follow the Drinking Gourd, Saturdays, February 1 & 8, 3 p.m.
Learn how to find the Big Dipper and other stars in our night sky. Then, we’ll go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression. The Big Dipper guides the group through a frightful but rewarding voyage. Sing along with the slaves who used the song of the Drinking Gourd to travel north on foot from Alabama to Canada. Based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title, the show describes the astronomy behind the slave song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Magic, Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 4 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert featuring songs by a variety of artists 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)

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, February 1, 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 Bon Jovi, Saturdays, February 1 & 8, 8 p.m.
The music of New Jersey’s own Jon Bon Jovi is the star of this new laser concert. Sing along with some of the group’s greatest hits, such as “Bad Medicine,” “Runaway,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

To Worlds Beyond, Saturdays, February 8, 22, 29, 7 p.m.
Discover what stars are visible in tonight’s sky. Then take an amazing journey through our solar system, visiting each of the planets as well as the most famous dwarf planet, Pluto. The show features beautiful images taken from orbiting satellites, blended with high-end animations and current information about our neighborhood of planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the program. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Laser Love, Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert celebrating love, with songs featuring “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Friday evening performance is for adult couples only, while the Saturday show is open to everyone.

Earth, Moon, Sun and Coyote, Saturdays, February 15 & 22, 3 p.m.
Coyote thinks he knows everything about the sky, but he’s surprised by how many misconceptions he really has about eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Our Lovely Skies, Saturday, February 15, 7 p.m.
Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful stellar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love stories in the sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Rock of Ages laser concert, Saturdays, February 22 & 29, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert with songs drawn from the popular Broadway show and feature film. Sing along to “We Built This City” by Starship, “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister, and “Talk Dirty to Me” by Poison. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, February 29, 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, February 29, 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 others feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 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

January 10, 2020

PR #70