(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- This fall is a great time to visit the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg. The Planetarium will present star shows and laser concerts for all ages in November, including a special program for youngsters on the Autism spectrum and their families.
The following shows will be offered:
Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Saturdays, November 5 & 12 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"? This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)
Laser Magic, Saturdays, November 5 & 12 at 4:00pm. Enjoy a laser concert featuring music by a variety of artists, including “Fireworks” by Katy Perry, “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen, and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
The Sky Above (sensory friendly), Saturday, November 5 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, November 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)
Pink Floyd’s The Wall laser concert, Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19 at 8:00pm. The laser concert features hits from Pink Floyd’s popular album, including “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Hey You,” and “Comfortably Numb.”
Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Life, Saturdays, November 12 & 19 at 7:00pm. For thousands of years, we thought that we were the center of the Universe. Since then, science has taught us an astonishing amount about our cosmos. But even before we knew that our Sun was just one of many ordinary stars, people began to question if we were alone in the Universe. It’s not the question of whether life exists elsewhere, but where we will have to look, and how we will find it—out there. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, November 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, November 19 at 4:00pm. Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by a variety of artists, including “Kalien the Alien” by mr RAY, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Everything is Awesome” from the LEGO Movie, and more. Most 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.
The Planetarium will be closed Thanksgiving weekend, November 24-27.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.
