(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a variety of programs for all ages in March, from children’s stars shows, to a guided meditation session, to laser concerts featuring music by such artists as The Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. The following shows will be offered:
Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18 at 3:00pm - 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)
Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18 at 4:00pm - Lasers “dance” across the Planetarium dome while some great tunes for singing along are played. Selections include "Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Jae Jepsen, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
The Sky Above sensory-friendly program, Saturday, March 4 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 program will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon, and constellations.
Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, March 4 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—which is located right outside the Planetarium—will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Laser Grateful Dead, Saturdays, March 4 & 11 at 8:00pm - Sit back, relax, and listen to some of the Grateful Dead’s greatest hits, illustrated by laser projections. Selections include “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “One More Saturday Night.”
Black Holes, Saturdays, March 11, 18, 25 at 7:00pm - Black Holes takes audience members on a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a black hole. Take a virtual tour through space and explore the science and mystery of black holes: Where do they come from? How do we find them? Is there one on Earth’s horizon? Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Laser Led Zeppelin, Saturdays, March 18 & 25 at 8:00pm - Enjoy this laser show featuring Led Zeppelin’s hit songs, including “When the Levee Breaks,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Houses of the Holy.”
Sunset Meditation, Friday, March 24 at 7:00pm - How do STEM workers, NASA professionals, athletes, and business executives cope with stress? Mindfulness. Meditation is a powerful tool for maintaining psychological health and resilience. Since the Planetarium offers a dark and quiet space for relaxation, it is the perfect place for meditation. Enjoy a guided meditation experience in the comfortable, reclined seats in the RVCC Planetarium. View an amazing sunset as you travel virtually from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole. Then, relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, March 25 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, March 25 at 4:00pm - Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by a variety of artists, shows, and movies. Selections include “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 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.
