Make plans to visit the RVCC Planetarium this summer!

 

June 2024     June Solstice   The June Solstice occurs on Thursday, June 20 at 4:50 p.m. EDT. This marks the Sun's northernmost position in the sky. It will be directly overhead at noon for those folks on the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.4 N). Side note: that's equal to the tilt of Earth's axis. In the Northern Hemisphere, this day has the greatest number of daylight hours (often referred to as the Longest Day of the Year.) In the Southern Hemisphere, this day has the fewest number of daylight hours (or the Shortest Day of the Year). Discover more about some traditions related to the Summer Solstice.   Asteroid Day   On June 30, 1908... The air was ripped apart. Trees were felled. Forty miles away, a man was knocked off his chair while he sat on the porch. What happened? 115 years ago, an asteroid hurtled through our atmosphere, exploding in the sky over Tunguska, Russia. Trees at ground zero were upright, but had their branches and bark ripped off. Beyond that, trees fell in a radial pattern away from the blast site. Learn more: NASA Science, 100 years after the event   The Moon in June   Moon Phases New Moon June 6 First Quarter June 14 Full Moon June 21 at 9:07 pm Strawberry Moon Last Quarter June 28   Strawberry Moon   June’s Full Moon is named after the wild strawberries that ripen this month and could be gathered by the Native American tribes. Other native names are Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon, and Hot Moon. The Celtic names are Horse Moon, Dyan Moon, and Rose Moon. Other English names are Flower Moon and Planting Moon. Other sources quote Mead Moon as the Anglo-Saxon name because this was the time for mowing the meads, or meadows. Read on for more about the June Full Moon.   Summer Shows   Astronomy Shows and Laser Concerts all summer! Our summer schedule is different than our school year schedule, Starting July 10, public shows will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm Fridays, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm The Observatory will be open on Friday evenings. Our full summer schedule is posted on our website.     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   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   To reach us, email planet@raritanval.edu.