Spring is here at the RVCC Planetarium!

 

March 2023       Giving Day at RVCC   Support the Planetarium and RVCC Giving Day is an exciting time! If the College raises $50,000, another $50,000 will be unlocked by a private donor! Last year we made that goal. Help us achieve it again. You can choose to support College Scholarships, or even the RVCC Planetarium! Giving Day will be held March 21, 2024   March 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.   Full schedule is on our website   Saturday, March 2, 2024   Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 3:00 p.m. 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. This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky and safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Laser Magic 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry; “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto; “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen; and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   The Sky Above: A Sensory Friendly Experience 5:00 pm A special astronomy and music show designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities, 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.   Astronomy Tonight 7:00 p.m. We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Laser Taylor Swift 8:00 p.m. This laser concert celebrates LOVE! Songs include “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Tuesday evening performance is for adult couples only, please. Saturday is recommended for ages 10-adult.   Friday, March 8, 2024   Sunset Meditation 7:00 p.m. 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)   Saturday, March 9, 2024   Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 3:00 p.m. 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. This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky and safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Laser Magic 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry; “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto; “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen; and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Astronomy Tonight 7:00 p.m. We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Laser Taylor Swift 8:00 p.m. Calling all Swifties! Sing along to some of Taylor’s hit songs like “All Too Well,” “Blank Space,” and “Anti-Hero.”   Saturday, March 16, 2024   Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 3:00 p.m. 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. This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky and safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Laser Magic 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry; “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto; “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen; and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Astronomy Tonight 7:00 p.m. We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Laser Ladies 8:00 p.m. We recognize Women’s History Month with a laser concert featuring all female artists. Singers Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, and Shakira are just of few of the ladies whose music is highlighted in this show.   Saturday, March 23, 2024   Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 3:00 p.m. 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. This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky and safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Laser Magic 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry; “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto; “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen; and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12)   Astronomy Tonight 7:00 p.m. We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Laser Ladies 8:00 p.m. We recognize Women’s History Month with a laser concert featuring all female artists. Singers Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, and Shakira are just of few of the ladies whose music is highlighted in this show.   Saturday, March 30, 2024   Rockin' Rocket Ride 3:00 p.m. Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)   Lasers for Littles 4:00 p.m. Our youngest audience members are encouraged to sing along with songs by a variety of artists. Songs in this fun laser concert include “Kalien the Alien” by mr RAY, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Fruit Salad” by the Wiggles, and “Baby Shark.” (Recommended for ages 3-8)   Astronomy Tonight 7:00 p.m. We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Laser Taylor Swift 8:00 p.m. Calling all Swifties! Sing along to some of Taylor’s hit songs like “All Too Well,” “Blank Space,” and “Anti-Hero.”   Learn About the Upcoming Solar Eclipse   Join us every Saturday in March at 7:00 pm to learn more about solar eclipses during our show "Astronomy Tonight."   Astronomy Tonight 7:00 p.m. We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   March at a Glance   Saturday, March 3 3:00 pm: Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 4:00 pm: Laser Magic 5:00 pm: The Sky Above 7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight 8:00 pm: Laser Taylor Swift   Friday, March 8 7:00 pm: Sunset Meditation   Saturday, March 9 3:00 pm: Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 4:00 pm: Laser Magic 7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight 8:00 pm: Laser Taylor Swift   Saturday, March 16 3:00 pm: Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 4:00 pm: Laser Magic 7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight 8:00 pm: Laser Ladies   Saturday, March 23 3:00 pm: Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote) 4:00 pm: Laser Magic 7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight 8:00 pm: Laser Ladies   Saturday, March 30 3:00 pm: Rockin' Rocket Ride 4:00 pm: Lasers for Littles 7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight 8:00 pm: Laser Taylor Swift   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. ** RVCC Students and Employees get a $2/ticket discount when they come with friends and family.   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.   Visit Our Website for Show Schedules and Descriptions     Moon Phases   Last Quarter March 3 New Moon March 10 First Quarter March 17 Full Moon March 25     Micro Full Moon in March   A Micromoon is when a Full Moon (or a New Moon) coincides with apogee, the point in the Moon's orbit farthest away from Earth. The Moon orbits Earth in an elliptical path, which means one side of the path is closer to the Earth than the other. The point in the Moon's orbit closest to Earth is called perigee, while the point in the orbit farthest from Earth is known as apogee. The average distance between Earth and the Moon is 382,500 kilometers or 237,700 miles. When a Full Moon or a New Moon occurs around apogee, it's called a Micromoon, Minimoon or Apogee Moon. Like any other New Moon night, a Micro New Moon night is a good time to stargaze.  Read on for more about the March Full Moon.     We live in a time when quality science education is more important than ever and a scientifically literate public is an essential part of the progress of any community. Planetariums both inspire and educate people of all ages about our place in the Universe. They are often a place in which young people become enthused and inspired to follow a scientific career. Many of today's leading scientists, engineers, and astronauts chose their careers because they were captivated by the experience of a planetarium visit We invite you to be part of shaping the future! Join us in supporting the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium fundraising campaign: Stars are Rising. Help us ignite the passion for science and space exploration in the hearts and minds of our rising stars!!   Donate     Explore the Universe with RVCC Planetarium   To reach us, email planet@raritanval.edu.