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Friday, February 17, 2023

Explore the Underground Railroad's Codes at the RVCC Planetarium!


February 2023

 

Explore the Underground Railroad's Codes

 

Did you know the Underground Railroad went through New Jersey?

Secret codes may have helped enslaved people escape along the secretive Underground Railroad. Join us to explore stories, quilt codes, animal tracks, and star patterns that may have helped people escape to Canada.

Free Activities!

Saturdays, February 18 and 25

2-5 pm

Recommended for ages 6-12

 

February Shows

 

Reservations are recommended. Call 908-231-8805 x5 or email the Planetarium.

Provide your name, phone number, email, which show you want to see, and how many tickets you'd like.

 

 

Follow the Drinking Gourd

Saturdays, February 18, 25, 3:00 p.m.

Learn to find the Big Dipper and other stars in our night sky. Then, we’ll go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression. The Big Dipper guides them through a frightful but rewarding voyage. Sing along with the slaves who used the song of the Drinking Gourd to travel north on foot from Alabama to Canada. Based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title, this show describes the astronomy behind the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” (recommended for ages 6-12)

 

Laser Magic

Saturdays, February 18, 25, 4:00 p.m.

Features music by a variety of artists including songs like “Fireworks” by Katy Perry, “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen, and “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

 




To Worlds Beyond

Saturdays, February 18, 25, 7:00 pm

Discover what stars are visible in tonight’s sky. Then take an amazing journey through our solar system, visiting each of the planets, plus the most famous dwarf planet, Pluto. Beautiful images taken from orbiting satellites blend with high-end animations and current information on our neighborhood of planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

 

Laser Queen

Saturdays, February 18, 25, 8:00 p.m.

Bold. Fierce. Operatic. The legendary music of Queen transcends time and will absolutely rock you right out of your seat! Did we mention the lead guitarist, Brian May, is an astrophysicist? Come rock the cosmos in a blaze of light, sound, and color. Some of Queen’s hit songs in this show include “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “We Are the Champions.”

 

Relax at the Planetarium

 




Sunset Meditation

Friday, March 24, 7:00 p.m.

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. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

 

Sensory-Friendly Program

 

The Sky Above

Saturday, March 4, 5:00 p.m.

A special astronomy and music show designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. These sensory-friendly shows, which are appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. 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 Sky Above” show includes music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations. Content is presented on a kindergarten level.

Saturn on Puzzle

 

February at a Glance

 

Saturday, February 18

3:00 pm  Follow the Drinking Gourd (ages 6-12)

4:00 pm Laser Magic laser concert (ages 6-12)

7:00 pm  To Worlds Beyond (ages 8-adult)

8:00 pm Laser Queen laser concert (ages 10-adult)

 

Saturday, February 25

3:00 pm  Follow the Drinking Gourd (ages 6-12)

4:00 pm Laser Magic laser concert (ages 6-12)

7:00 pm  To Worlds Beyond (ages 8-adult)

8:00 pm Laser Queen laser concert (ages 10-adult)

 

 

Good to Know...

Admission: $10 per person for one show

$18 per person for two shows on the same day

Payments are taken at the Planetarium on the day of the show.

Reservations are recommended. Call 908-231-8805 or email the Planetarium.

Provide your name, phone number, email, which show you want to see, and how many tickets you'd like.

Please arrive 20-30 minutes before the show to pay for your tickets.

The closest parking lots are #9 and #1. Here is a campus map.

Late arrivals are NOT admitted to the Planetarium's theater once a show has started. 

Masks are optional on campus.

 


 

Moon Phases

New Moon February 20

First Quarter February 27

Full Moon March 7

Last Quarter March 14

 

Student Resource Center and Food Pantry

at RVCC

 




Did you know that 10% of RVCC students have experienced homelessness and 30% experience food insecurity? Please consider purchasing some of the listed items for donation. You can bring your donations to the Planetarium when you visit. Thank you!

· Cup of Noodles (shrimp, chicken & beef) · Chef Boyardee · Jar Spaghetti Sauce · Pancake Mix · Syrup · Mac & Cheese Cups · Frozen Microwavable Meals · Laundry soap · Fruit cups (4 pack) · Individual & Regular sized snack foods · Shelf Stable Milk · Ready to eat tuna & chicken kits · Cereal · Juice (full size & individual) · Hot Pockets · Uncrustables

 


 

Explore the Universe with RVCC Planetarium

 

 

Please Consider Making a Tax-Deductible Donation to the Planetarium

Support from the community has repeatedly played a key role in our success at the RVCC Planetarium. We are proud to offer affordable, educational field trips and engaging public events for our community. Your continued support helps us to provide innovative, educational experiences for our diverse audiences. Donations made to the Planetarium throughout the year help support new and exciting programs and help us maintain and upgrade our equipment.

 

 Thank you for your support!

 

 

To reach us, email planet@raritanval.edu.

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