(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- From laser concerts featuring music by the Grateful Dead, to astronomy shows focusing on Black Holes and the night sky, to special Halloween programs for kids and adults, the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium is offering a variety of offerings in October.
The following shows will be presented at the Planetarium in Branchburg:
Earth, Moon, Sun and Coyote, Saturdays, October 5 & 12 at 3:00pm - Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun show that tells Native American stories and explores lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles. The show also examines how humans learn through space exploration. The program includes a brief tour of the night sky. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Kids Jam Laser Concert, Saturdays, October 5 & 12 at 4:00pm - Enjoy an eclectic mix of music to entertain kids and kids at heart while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Bright” by Echosmith, “YMCA” by The Village People, “Mia” by Bad Bunny, and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, October 5 at 7:00pm - 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)
Laser Grateful Dead, Saturdays, October 5 & 12 at 8:00pm - This laser concert features such classic Grateful Dead tunes as “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Sugar Magnolia.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Black Holes, Saturday, October 12 at 7:00pm - Journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: Black Holes. Where do they come from? Where do they go? How do we find them? Is there one on Earth's horizon? The program includes a brief tour of the night sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, October 19 at 3:00pm - 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 show features selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
SkyLights, Saturday, October 19 at 4:00pm - Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while others feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
Spooky Skies, Saturdays, October 19 at 7:00pm, October 26 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm - This Halloween, come to the RVCC Planetarium to witness spine-chilling tricks and treats of Spooky Skies! The show takes viewers back to medieval Ireland to explore the roots of the Halloween holiday, then goes into the heavens to draw parallels between some celestial objects and famous monsters. What does a werewolf have on an inescapable Black Hole; a noxious, deadly planet like Venus; or a crushing, dangerous supernova? (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Fright Light Laser Concert (family version), Saturdays, October 19 at 8:00pm and October 26 at 4:00pm - The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the Planetarium. These characters love our laser songs, including “The Addams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
The Skies over Hogwarts, Friday, October 25 at 7:00pm & 8:00pm - Join our eclectic group of witches and wizards as it guides audience members through a "Harry Potter"-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how J.K. Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters’ names. (Recommended for ages 8 and older)
Fright Light (PG-13), Saturday, October 26 at 8:00pm - This show is not recommended for young viewers or those easily scared! The laser concert features such tunes as “Alive” by Meatloaf, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. (Recommended for ages 13-adult)
Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows on the same day. 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.
