(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg has a terrific lineup in May, including special programs for kids, a laser concert featuring music by Taylor Swift, and a star show focusing on where Earth is situated in the Universe.
The following programs will be offered:
Accidental Astronauts, Saturdays, May 6 & 13 at 3:00pm. Robo-kids Cy, Annie, and their dog, Armstrong, get a lot more than they expect 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 5-12)
Laser Magic, Saturdays, May 6 & 13 at 4:00pm. Enjoy a laser concert featuring music by a variety of artists, including such songs as “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 program, Saturday, May 6 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.
Cosmic Address, Saturdays, May 6, 13, 20 at 7:00pm. We all know our home address, but where are we located in the Universe? Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, Cosmic Address begins with a guided tour of our night sky, then takes us on a journey from Earth, past the Oort Cloud and the Milky Way Galaxy. The tour then continues to the cosmic microwave background—the microwave radiation that fills all space—to see where our tiny planet fits into the giant Universe. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory, which is located right outside the Planetarium, will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Taylor Swift laser concert, Saturdays, May 6, 13, 20 at 8:00pm. Swifties and friends of Swifties are invited to enjoy a laser concert featuring music by Taylor Swift. Sing along to your favorite songs while lasers “dance” on the dome above. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Sunset Meditation, Friday, May 12 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. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, May 20 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, May 20 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 others 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.
