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Friday, May 3, 2024

Celebrate "Astronomy Day" this May at the RVCC Planetarium!

 

May 2023

 

 

 

Astronomy Day at the Planetarium

 

Join us on Saturday, May 18th, for Astronomy Day!

 

Join us from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm for some FREE hands-on activities about the Moon, Mars, and Space!

Our 3M Observatory will be open for evening sky observing from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

 

Regular admission will be charged for planetarium shows and laser concerts.

 

May 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.

 

The Planetarium will be closed May 25th for Memorial Day Weekend

 

 

Saturday, May 4, 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)

 

Saturn on Puzzle

The Sky Above

5:00 p.m.

Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent 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)

 

Pink Floyd’s The Wall

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.”

 

Friday, May 10, 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, May 11, 2024

 

Accidental Astronauts

3:00 p.m.

Robo-kids Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon! Collect an asteroid sample in low gravity! Survive a solar storm! Find new appreciation for the unique beauty of Earth. Journey along with the Accidental Astronauts in this epic dome theater adventure. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

 


Laser Pop Rock

4:00 p.m.

Lasers dance across the dome while we listen to songs you can sing along with like "Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Jae Jepsen, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift to name just a few. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

 

Out There

7:00 p.m.

For thousands of years, we thought that we were the center of the Universe. Since then, science has taught us an astonishing amount about our cosmos. But even before we knew that our Sun was just one of many ordinary stars out there, people began to question if we were alone in the Universe. It’s possible that someone or something is, at this very moment, looking in our direction and asking the very same question. In its infinite nature, the Universe must have had endless possibilities to create other places like Earth. It is not the question of whether life exists elsewhere, but where we will have to look, and how we will find it — out there. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

 


Pink Floyd’s The Wall

8:00 p.m.

This classic laser concert features hits from the band’s popular album including “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Hey You,” and “Comfortably Numb.”

 

Saturday, May 18, 2024

 

Accidental Astronauts

3:00 p.m.

Robo-kids Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon! Collect an asteroid sample in low gravity! Survive a solar storm! Find new appreciation for the unique beauty of Earth. Journey along with the Accidental Astronauts in this epic dome theater adventure. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

 


Laser Pop Rock

4:00 p.m.

Lasers dance across the dome while we listen to songs you can sing along with like "Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Jae Jepsen, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift to name just a few. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

 

Out There

7:00 p.m.

For thousands of years, we thought that we were the center of the Universe. Since then, science has taught us an astonishing amount about our cosmos. But even before we knew that our Sun was just one of many ordinary stars out there, people began to question if we were alone in the Universe. It’s possible that someone or something is, at this very moment, looking in our direction and asking the very same question. In its infinite nature, the Universe must have had endless possibilities to create other places like Earth. It is not the question of whether life exists elsewhere, but where we will have to look, and how we will find it — out there. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

 


Pink Floyd’s The Wall

8:00 p.m.

This classic laser concert features hits from the band’s popular album including “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Hey You,” and “Comfortably Numb.”

 

Sunset Meditation

 


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. View an amazing sunset as you travel from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole. Then relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) 

 

May at a Glance

 

Saturday, May 4

3:00 pm: Rockin' Rocket Ride

4:00 pm: Lasers for Littles

5:00 pm: The Sky Above *sensory-friendly program

7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight

8:00 pm: Pink Floyd: The Wall Laser Concert

 

Friday, May 10

7:00 pm: Sunset Meditation

 

Saturday, May 11

3:00 pm: Accidental Astronauts

4:00 pm: Laser Pop Rock

7:00 pm: Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Worlds

8:00 pm: Pink Floyd: The Wall Laser Concert

 

Saturday, May 18

3:00 pm: Accidental Astronauts

4:00 pm: Laser Pop Rock

7:00 pm: Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Worlds

8:00 pm: Pink Floyd: The Wall Laser Concert

 

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.

 

 

 

Moon Phases

 

Last Quarter May 1

New Moon May 8

First Quarter May 15

Full Moon May 23

 


 

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!!

 

 


 

Explore the Universe with RVCC Planetarium

 

To reach us, email planet@raritanval.edu.