Photo courtesy of Sky-Skan

(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will launch 2025 with a new star show, Asteroid: Mission Extreme. Recommended for audience members ages 8 to adult, the program will be presented Saturdays, January 11, 18, 25, 2025 at 7:00pm.

During the show, audience members will go on a “journey” to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds—veritable way-stations in space—enabling humans to cross the Solar System. The challenges are enormous, but such an extreme mission could ultimately lead people to protect Earth and even inhabit other planets. Asteroid: Mission Extreme explores what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid and how such an adventure could benefit humankind.

In addition to the new asteroid show, the Planetarium’s January schedule includes a number of star and laser shows specifically designed for children. These include: The Little Star that Could, Saturdays, January 4, 11, 18 at 3:00pm; Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, January 4, 11, 18 at 4:00pm; Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, January 25 at 3:00pm; and Lasers for Littles, Saturday, January 25 at 4:00pm.

Other January program highlights include The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly show specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities, Saturday, January 4 at 5:00pm; Astronomy Tonight’s guided tour of the night sky, Saturday, January 4, 7 p.m.; Best of Pink Floyd laser concert, Saturdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25 at 8:00pm; and Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation experience, Friday, January 10 at 7:00pm.

For a complete list and schedule of RVCC Planetarium star shows and laser concerts open to the public, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.

The Planetarium recently installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The new system offers brighter, clearer images and sharper sound quality, as well as an enhanced ability to “fly” through the Universe. The upgrade was funded through the RVCC Foundation by a generous RVCC supporter.

Planetarium tickets cost $11 for one show, $20 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 planet@raritanval.edu. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Planetarium laser shows include loud music, flashing lights, and rapidly moving graphics, all in a dark environment, and therefore may not be recommended for those who are sensitive to these conditions or have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by them.

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.