(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a variety of programs for all ages in August, including laser concerts and special astronomy shows geared specifically for young children.

The following shows will be presented:

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Wednesdays, August 3 & 17 at 2:30pm; Thursday, August 4 at 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 3 & 17 at 3:30pm; Thursday, August 4 at 3:30pm - 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)

Accidental Astronauts, Fridays, August 5 & 12 at 7:00pm; Wednesday, August 24 at 2:30pm - 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 4-10)

Astronomy Tonight, Friday, August 5 at 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 will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Summer Lights Laser Concert, Fridays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 at 9:00pm - It may be August, but there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy the summer. Break out your Hawaiian shirts and listen to songs that remind us of summertime.  "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet, "Rock Lobster" by the B-52s, and "Heatwave" by Glass Animals are just some of the summer-themed songs you'll hear in this laser concert.

Mars One Thousand One, Fridays, August 12, 19, 26 at 8:00pm - Someday soon, the first humans will leave for Mars. Like the astronauts of the Space Age, they’ll be blasting off to the unknown. In Mars One Thousand One, space reporter Miles O’Brien guides audience members through the first human mission to Mars: a daring 1001-day mission to fly an international crew to the Red Planet and return the group safely to Earth. Many challenges will have to be met in order for the crew to succeed and unlock the secrets of the new world. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Thursdays, August 18 & 25 at 3:30pm; Fridays, August 19 & 26 at 7:00pm - 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"?  This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

Perfect Little Planet, Thursdays, August 18 & 25 at 2:30pm - 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 the family choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)

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.  

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