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The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will offer a variety of offerings in April, including a new show about exploring the universe, Forward to the Moon, which will run Saturdays, April 20 and 27, at 7 p.m.

In this new Planetarium show, Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth toward a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st Century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in the mission to explore the universe. The program also will include an introduction to the stars visible in tonight’s sky. If the skies are clear enough, the 3M Observatory—located right outside the Planetarium—will be open after the show, which is recommended for audiences ages 10-adult.

The following shows also will be presented in April:

Sunset Meditation, Friday, April 19, 7 p.m.

How do STEM workers, NASA professionals, athletes, and business executives cope with stress? Mindfulness. Meditation is a powerful tool for maintaining psychological health and resilience. Since the Planetarium offers a dark and quiet space for relaxation, it is the perfect place for meditation. Enjoy a guided meditation experience in the comfortable, reclined seats in the RVCC Planetarium. Relax under a night sky filled with stars, then “travel” from Earth to beyond our galaxy. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, April 20 & 27, 3 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)

Laser Kids laser concert, Saturdays, April 20 & 27, 4 p.m.

Sing along while lasers are animated in time to the music on the dome overhead. Songs include “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, and “Can’t Stop this Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Classic Rock, Saturdays, April 20 & 27, 8 p.m.

The 1970’s is the theme for this laser concert, which will include familiar songs from albums and cassettes of the past. Some of the featured hits of the past include “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” by BTO, “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, and “You Took the Words Right Out of my Mouth” by Meatloaf.

The Planetarium will be closed April 5-15. Solar eclipse glasses (which may be used to view the total solar eclipse on April 8) will be available for purchase at $3 each at the Planetarium’s gift shop until April 4. Glasses may be purchased Tuesdays-Fridays, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, from  2-9 p.m.

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 or email planet@raritanval.edu. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Planetarium laser shows include loud music, flashing lights, and rapidly moving graphics, all in a dark environment, and therefore may not be recommended for those who are sensitive to these conditions or have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by them.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2024

PR #82