Newsroom

The holiday stars will shine brightly at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg in December with special seasonal shows for all ages. The Planetarium’s upcoming holiday programs include:

•    The Alien Who Stole Christmas, Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21, 3 p.m.  (Recommended for ages 6-10)

Discover the stars visible in the winter sky in this updated show. Then, follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps him. The kids on the other planets also need presents.

View the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTeLS6veKfE

•    Winter Wonder Lights laser concert, Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-adult) 

Listen to such holiday hits as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” and “Dominic the Donkey” while lasers dance on the dome overhead.

•    The Christmas Star, Saturdays, December 14 & 21, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Over the years, many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem as described in the Bible. Was it an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? The program features a discussion of potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions, and also offers a brief tour of the current night sky.

In addition to the holiday favorites, the Planetarium’s December show include: The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly program specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities, Saturday, December 7, at 5 p.m.; a guided meditation experience in Sunset Meditation, Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m.; and Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, December 7, at 7 p.m., featuring a tour of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory, located just outside the Planetarium, will be open after the Astronomy Tonight show.

The Planetarium recently installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The new system offers brighter, clearer images and sharper sound quality, as well as an enhanced ability to “fly” through the Universe. The upgrade was funded through the RVCC Foundation by a generous RVCC supporter.

For a complete list and schedule of RVCC Planetarium star shows and laser concerts open to the public, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.

The Planetarium will be closed December 23 to January 2 while RVCC is closed for Winter Break.

Planetarium tickets cost $11 for one show, $20 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 further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 11, 2024

PR #33