(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a variety of star shows and laser concerts for all ages in December, include holiday favorites and a special meditation program.
The following programs will be featured in December:
The Alien Who Stole Christmas, Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16 at 3:00pm - Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system after he’s kidnapped by a friendly alien. The kids on the other planets also need presents! (Recommended for ages 6-10)
Winter Wonder Lights Laser Concert, Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16 at 4:00pm & 8:00pm - Listen to holiday hits such as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” and “Dominic the Donkey” while lasers “dance” on the dome overhead. (Recommended for ages 6-adult)
The Sky Above (sensory-friendly), Saturday, December 2 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, December 2 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 just outside the Planetarium—will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Sunset Meditation, Friday, December 8 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. Relax under a night sky filled with stars, then travel from Earth to beyond our galaxy. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
The Christmas Star, Saturdays, December 9 & 16 at 7:00pm - Over the years, many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Was it an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions are discussed. The program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
The Planetarium will be closed December 23-January 1 while RVCC is closed for Winter Break. Public shows will resume Saturday, January 6.
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.
