(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg has a variety of offerings in August 2023, including special programs for children, star shows focused on exploring the night sky and the universe, and laser concerts featuring music by such artists as Taylor Swift and Led Zeppelin. The following programs will be presented: 

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Wednesdays, August 2 & 23 @ 2:30pm; Thursdays, August 3 & 24 @ 2:30pm. 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, Wednesdays, August 2 & 23 @ 3:30pm; Thursdays, August 3 & 24 @ 3:30pm. Our youngest audience members may sing along during a show that includes 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) 

The Little Star that Could, Fridays, August 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 7:00pm. 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) 

Astronomy Tonight, Friday, August 4 @ 8:00pm. 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—located right outside the Planetarium—will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult) 

Taylor Swift laser concert, Fridays, August 4 & 11 @ 9:00pm; Thursday, August 10 @ 3:30pm; Wednesday, August 16 @ 3:30pm. Calling all Swifties! Sing along to some of Taylor Swift’s hit songs, such as “All Too Well,” “Blank Space,” and “Anti-Hero,” while lasers “dance” on the dome overhead. 

Accidental Astronauts, Wednesdays, August 9 & 16 @ 2:30pm; Thursdays, August 10 & 17 @ 2:30pm. Robo-kids Cy and 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 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 4-10) 

Laser Kids laser concert, Wednesday, August 9 @ 3:30pm; Thursday, August 17 @ 3:30pm. Enjoy a fun mix of music with a song list 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) 

Exploding Universe, Fridays, August 11, 18, 25 @ 8:00pm. The universe we see today is the product of explosive events. As the universe has transformed into its current state, even the most elementary particles have endured. The show follows the path of one of these particles, a proton, as it participates in nature’s astounding events of rebirth and renewal. The program includes a brief tour of the current night sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) 

Led Zeppelin laser concert, Fridays, August 18 & 25 @ 9:00pm. This classic laser concert features the group’s hit songs, such as “When the Levy Breaks,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Houses of the Holy.” 

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 [email protected]. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium. 

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.