(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present star and laser shows for all ages in July, including several programs specially designed for children. The following shows will be offered:
Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Fridays, July 7, 14, 21 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"? The show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)
Astronomy Tonight, Friday, July 7 at 8:00pm; Saturday, July 15 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, located right outside the Planetarium, will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Summer Lights Laser Concert, Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 9:00pm. The summer is just getting started. Break out your Hawaiian shirts and listen to songs that remind everyone of summertime. "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet, "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's, and "Heatwave" by Glass Animals are just some of the summer-themed songs featured in this laser concert. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Perfect Little Planet, Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26 at 2:30pm; Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27 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)
Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote and Laser Lite, Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26 at 3:30pm; Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27 at 3:30pm. Join us for an astronomy show and a laser concert in one hour. Coyote thinks he knows everything about the sky, but he’s surprised by how many misconceptions he has about eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies. Then rock out to about 20 minutes of songs illustrated with lasers. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, Fridays, July 14, 21, 28 at 8:00pm. As yet, we have no hard evidence of living beings outside of Planet Earth. The show explores this topic, from planets being discovered around other stars, to the feasibility of traveling to the stars and what aliens might actually be like, to the possibility that UFOs have been visiting and various methods that scientists are using to communicate. Will we make contact in our lifetimes? (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Saturday, July 15 at 3:00pm. Take an adventure through the solar system in the Cardboard Rocket. Travel with two children and their navigator, the talking astronomy book. Visit the Sun, the planets, the Moon, and more. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Laser Kids laser concert, Saturday, July 15 at 4:00pm. Listen to a terrific mix of music with a song list 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, July 15 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.
Led Zeppelin laser concert, Saturday, July 15 at 8:00pm. This classic laser concert features some of Led Zeppelin’s hit songs, including “When the Levy Breaks,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Houses of the Holy.”
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Friday, July 28 at 7:00pm. 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)
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].
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.
