Public Shows at the Planetarium

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.

 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)

We have astronomy and music programs for families with kids ages 3 and older. 3:00 pm is “Rockin’ Rocket Ride.” 4:00 pm is “Lasers for Littles” music and laser concert.

It’s date night at the Planetarium! Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe. Stars, constellations, songs, and stories all celebrate love. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for adults only, please. A similar program on Saturdays is open to everyone.

This laser concert celebrates LOVE! Songs include “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Valentine’s Day evening performance is for adults only, please. Saturday performances are open to everyone.

*FREE ACTIVITIES* 
Explore hands-on activities inspired by codes found in the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and in quilt squares to learn more about astronomy and the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people and places that helped thousands of enslaved people move northward as far as Canada to escape slavery. Participants may explore hands-on activities and view displays about nature, codes, and African Americans who have made a difference. (Recommended for ages 6-12) 
 

Join us for hands-on activities celebrating Astronomy, Science, and 100 years of Planetariums! Observe the Sun (safely) and the Moon through our telescopes. 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. Activities are free. Planetarium shows and laser concerts are an additional cost.
 

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)

Updated Show 
Discover the stars visible in the winter sky.  Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps him.  The kids on the other planets need presents too, you know! (Recommended for ages 6-10)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTeLS6veKfE 

Listen to holiday hits such as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” and “Dominic the Donkey” while lasers dance on the dome overhead. (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

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, December 7, 7:00 pm
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 to 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? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions are discussed. The program includes a brief tour of the current night sky.  (Recommended for ages 10 to adult)

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 several 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)

Lasers dance across the dome while we listen to songs you can sing along with like "Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Jae Jepsen, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift to name just a few. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.

Using the Planetarium’s upgraded DarkMatter 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 to adult)

Lasers dance across the Planetarium’s dome, accompanied by Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
 

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)

*New Show!* 
Go on a journey to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds – veritable way-stations in space – enabling us to cross the Solar System. The challenges are enormous, but a mission so extreme could ultimately lead us to protect our planet and inhabit others. Explore what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by a variety of artists. “Kalien the Alien” by mr RAY, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Fruit Salad” by The Wiggles, and “Baby Shark” are all part of this fun laser program. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

Robo-kids Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring 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! Find new appreciation for the unique beauty of Earth. Journey along with the Accidental Astronauts in this epic dome theater adventure. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Sing along while lasers dance 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)

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.

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)

This laser concert celebrates LOVE! Songs include “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, Valentine’s Day performance is for adults only, please. Saturday is recommended for ages 10-adult. 

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)

For ages 16 & older (no children, please) 
It’s date night at the Planetarium! Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe. Stars, constellations, songs, and stories all celebrate love. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for adults only, please. A similar program on Saturdays is open to everyone.
 

For ages 16 & older (no children, please) 

This laser concert celebrates LOVE!  Songs include “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast.  

Learn to find the Big Dipper and other stars in the night sky. Then, we’ll go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression. The Big Dipper guides the family 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)
 

*FREE ACTIVITIES* 

Explore hands-on activities inspired by codes found in the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and in quilt squares to learn more about astronomy and the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people and places that helped thousands of enslaved people move northward as far as Canada to escape slavery. Participants may explore hands-on activities and view displays about nature, codes, and African Americans who have made a difference. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
 

New Show, with open captions 

These two presentations will include narration captions projected onto the dome. Space exploration is having a big impact on your life. Not only is it helping discover a universe of unimaginable scale and beauty, it’s reaching back down into our world and influencing the way we live. “To Space & Back takes you on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet. The technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use everyday. What’s happening above and beyond is coming back down to Earth. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Watch Trailer 

The legendary music of Queen transcends time, and this show might rock audience members right out of their seats.  Did we mention the lead guitarist, Brian May, is an astrophysicist? Come rock the cosmos in a blaze of light, sound, and color. Some of Queen’s hit songs in this show include “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “We Are the Champions.”

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 they choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry; “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto; “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen; and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.

Using the Planetarium’s upgraded DarkMatter digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about the upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 13.  Discover 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 to adult)

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)

Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more.  Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"?  This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels.  (Recommended for ages 5 and older)
 

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 8-adult)

Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8) 

Our youngest audience members are encouraged to sing along with songs by a variety of artists. Songs in this fun laser concert include “Kalien the Alien” by mr RAY, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Fruit Salad” by the Wiggles, and “Baby Shark.” (Recommended for ages 3-8)