We are delighted to welcome you to the Planetarium!
Planetarium shows run 45-60 minutes. In addition to the show itself, we have a small exhibit area and a gift shop with books, toys, and, of course, Astronaut ice cream.
Plan to arrive early! Planetarium shows start promptly. Late admission is not allowed. Arrive 20-30 minutes before your show starts to purchase your tickets and look at the exhibits.
Parking: The closest parking lots are #9 and #1. Walk up the stairs to get to the Planetarium entrance. Call the Planetarium if you need handicapped parking.
Admission: $11 per person for one show, $20 per person for two shows back to back
Make a reservation: Reservations are recommended. All ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show.
Call 908-231-8805
Email planet@raritanval.edu (Please provide your name, phone number, which show(s) you’d like to see, and how many tickets you’d like.)
Contact: planet@raritanval.edu for more information or with any questions.
Please Note: 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.
Sensory - Friendly Shows
The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium in Branchburg offers special astronomy and music shows designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. These sensory-friendly shows, which are appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. 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.
Cost: $11 for one show, $20 for two shows back to back
$2/ticket discount for RVCC Students and Employees (bring RVCC ID)
908-231-8805
Sensory-Friendly Planetarium Shows
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.
Special Events
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows 908-231-8805
Cost: $11 for one show, $20 for two shows back to back
$2/ticket discount for RVCC Students and Employees (bring RVCC ID)
908-231-8805
Special Events
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.
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.
April 2025
Cost: $11 for one show, $20 for two shows back to back 908-231-8805
$2/ticket discount for RVCC Students and Employees (bring RVCC ID)
April Planetarium Shows
| Date | Time | Show | Ages |
| Sat., April 5 | 3:00 pm | Max Goes to the Moon | 6-12 |
| 4:00 pm | Laser Kids | 6-12 | |
| 5:00 pm | The Sky Above (sensory-friendly) | All Ages | |
| 7:00 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult | |
| 8:00 pm | Classic Rock laser concert | 8-adult | |
| Fri., April 11 | 7:00 pm | Sunset Meditation | 10-adult |
| Sat., April 12 | 3:00 pm | Max Goes to the Moon | 6-12 |
| 4:00 pm | Laser Kids | 6-12 | |
| 7:00 pm | Phantom of the Universe: Dark Matter | 10-adult | |
| 8:00 pm | Classic Rock laser concert | 8-adult | |
| Sat., April 19 | 3:00 pm | Max Goes to the Moon | 6-12 |
| 4:00 pm | Laser Kids | 6-12 | |
| 7:00 pm | Phantom of the Universe: Dark Matter | 10-adult | |
| 8:00 pm | Classic Rock laser concert | 8-adult | |
| Sat., April 26 | 3:00 pm | Max Goes to the Moon | 6-12 |
| 4:00 pm | Laser Kids | 6-12 | |
| 7:00 pm | Phantom of the Universe: Dark Matter | 6-12 | |
| 8:00 pm | Classic Rock laser concert | 8-adult |
NEW SHOW
Max, the dog, and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. Along the way, the story breaks to cover more sophisticated science like the phases of the Moon and if Frisbees could work on the Moon, thoughtfully explained so grownups and children can learn together. Max and Tori’s trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony from which “the beautiful views of Earth from the Moon made everyone realize that we all share a small and precious planet.” (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.
Using the Planetarium’s upgraded DarkMatter digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. 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)
NEW SHOW
From the journey of protons racing through the world’s largest particle collider in Europe to up-close views of the Big Bang and emergent universe, and the nearly mile-deep descent to an underground experiment in South Dakota, this new planetarium show is designed to immerse audiences in the manifold search for dark matter. This program showcases this exciting exploration, from the Big Bang to its anticipated discovery at the Large Hadron Collider. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
The 1970’s is the theme for this laser concert. You’ll recognize all these songs from the albums and cassettes you may still have at home. “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 are some of the hits you’ll hear tonight. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
