ASTRONOMY DAY
WHEN: Saturday, April 23, from 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: RVCC Planetarium, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
ADMISSION: Astronomy Day activities are free of charge, but there are costs for the Planetarium star shows and laser concerts being offered on April 23. These include Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote, 3 p.m.; Laser Magic, 4 p.m.; Two Small Pieces of Glass, 7 p.m.; and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon laser concert, 8 p.m.
Planetarium show tickets cost $8 for one show or $14 for two shows on the same day. Reservations are strongly suggested for all Planetarium shows. For additional information, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.
The event will feature hands-on activities celebrating astronomy and science. Those attending may observe the Sun (safely) and the Moon through telescopes. Other activities include learning to use one’s body to tell time on a sundial and examining the size differences between Earth and Moon. The 3M Observatory, located next to the Planetarium, will be open for solar observing during the day and examining the Moon and other celestial objects in the evening sky. The event is appropriate for families with children ages six and older.
Rockin’ Rocket Ride
Saturdays, April 16, 30, 3 p.m.
Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. The show offers a lively experience for young people, with selected music from Journey Into Space by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote
Saturday, April 23, 3 p.m.
Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun, full-dome show that tells Native American stories, explores lunar phases and eclipses, and examines other puzzles. Engaging and immersive, “Earth, Moon & Sun” also investigates how humans learn through space exploration. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
SkyLights
Saturdays, April 16, 30, 4 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert while the youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy “(Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while other songs feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
Laser Magic
Saturday, April 23, 4 p.m.
Enjoy a laser and video concert featuring songs by a variety of artists including “We Are All Made of Stars” by Moby, “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Two Small Pieces of Glass
Saturdays, April 16, 23, 30, 7 p.m.
Trace the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass—using two small pieces of glass—to the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy. Explore the wonders and discoveries made by astronomers throughout the past 400 years.
Laser Modern Rock
Saturdays, April 16, 30, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser and video concert featuring songs by a variety of modern rock artists. Some of the selections include “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons, “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark” by Fall Out Boy, and “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic.
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon laser concert
Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m.
Listen to songs from Pink Floyd’s classic album while lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead. Songs include “Speak to Me / Breathe,” “Money,” and “Brain Damaged.”
Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for close to 50 years, RVCC is an educational and cultural center that is nationally recognized for its innovative programming, service to the community and environmental leadership. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, professional development and personal enrichment courses. The College also has a performing arts center and planetarium.
RVCC is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
IMAGE: The 3M Observatory, located next to the RVCC Planetarium, will be open on Astronomy Day, Saturday, April 23, for solar observing during the day and examining the Moon and other celestial objects in the evening sky.
