(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present in-person star shows and laser concerts in April, including a number of shows specially designed for children. Shows include Magic Tree House: Space Mission; Laser Kids laser concert; The Sky Above (sensory-friendly program); Astronomy Tonight; Pink Floyd shows for Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall; Big Astronomy; Classic Rock laser concert; Rockin' Rocket Ride; and SkyLights. The RVCC Planetarium will be closed on Saturday, April 16.
Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Saturdays, April 2, 9, 23 at 3:00pm - 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"? The show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)
Laser Kids laser concert, Saturdays, April 2, 9, 23 at 4:00pm - Enjoy a new 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)
The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, April 2 at 5:00pm - 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, April 2 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)
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Saturday, April 2 at 8:00pm - Enjoy songs from Pink Floyd’s hit album while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Time,” “Money,” and “Eclipse.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Pink Floyd’s The Wall laser concert, Saturday, April 9 at 8:00pm - The laser show features hits from the popular album including “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Hey You,” and “Comfortably Numb.”
Big Astronomy, Saturdays, April 9, 23, 30 at 7:00pm - Big Astronomy shares the story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. This show takes visitors to the extreme sites where astronomy happens in the most extreme environments and with some of the most interesting people. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Classic Rock laser concert, Saturdays, April 23, 30 at 8:00pm - Audience members may recognize many of the songs featured in this laser concert from their old albums and cassettes. Selections include: “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” by BTO, “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, “You Took the Words Right Out of my Mouth” by Meatloaf, and “Tom Sawyer” by Rush.
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, April 30 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 offers selected music from “Journey Into Space” by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
SkyLights, Saturday, April 30 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 other songs feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
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. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.
