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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will present in-person laser concerts and star shows for all ages in November, including special sensory-friendly shows designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Face masks are required in all campus buildings, including in the Planetarium. The following shows will be offered at the Planetarium in Branchburg:

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, November 6, 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 shows features selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

SkyLights, Saturday, November 6, 4 p.m.
Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”), Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”), and other artists. Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while others feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

The Sky Above (sensory friendly), Saturday, November 6, 5 p.m.
This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. 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. The show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations.

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, November 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)

Best of Pink Floyd laser concert, Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20, 8 p.m.
Watch lasers “dance” across the Planetarium dome while listening to Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Accidental Astronauts, Saturdays, November 13 & 20, 3 p.m.
Robo-kids Cy, Annie, and their dog, Armstrong, get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip during an impromptu adventure. Explore the Sun, Earth, and Moon with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon; collect an asteroid sample in low gravity; survive a solar storm; and find new appreciation for Earth’s unique beauty—it’s all part of the adventure. (Recommended for ages 4-10)

Kids Jam laser concert, Saturdays, November 13 & 20, 4 p.m.
Sing along to a playlist that entertains kids and kids at heart while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “YMCA” by the Village People, “Waka Waka” by Shakira, and “Can’t Stop this Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Exploding Universe, Saturdays, November 13 & 20, 7 p.m.
The universe we see today is the product of explosive events. Supernovae seed the galaxies with heavy elements that make planets and life possible. When Black Holes collide, they can throw off some of the most energetic particles known, ripping and warping space as they go. But other outbursts have profound effects as well, such as super-volcanoes, which have contributed to the transformation of our world into the life-bearing oasis we now enjoy. 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)

The Planetarium will be closed Thanksgiving weekend, November 25-28.

Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. 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

October 20, 2021

PR #30