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Holiday Fun at the RVCC Planetarium
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Explore the
Universe in our 100-seat planetarium. We present a variety of fun
and educational programs. You can learn about the stars, planets,
and our amazing Universe. The 3M Observatory lets you view the night
sky, from our own Moon to distant galaxies. We also present laser
concerts for young and young-at-heart visitors.
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The Alien Who Stole Christmas
Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21
3:00 p.m.
Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then
follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien
kidnaps him. The kids on the other planets need presents too, you
know! (Recommended for ages 6-10)
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Winter Wonder
Lights Laser Concert
Saturdays, December 7, 14,
21
4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Listen to holiday hits such
as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” "Heat
Miser" and "Snow Miser," and “Dominic the Donkey” while
lasers dance on the dome overhead.
(Recommended
for ages 6-adult)
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The Sky Above: A Sensory Friendly Experience
Saturday, December 7
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.
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Astronomy Tonight
Saturday, December 7
7:00 p.m.
Using the Planetarium’s
upgraded DarkMatter digital theater, experience a guided tour of the
night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from
sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how
and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting,
the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8
to adult)
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The Christmas Star
Saturdays, December 14, 21
7:00 pm
Over the years, many people have tried to explain the
appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Was it
an exploding star, a comet or some other natural event in the sky?
Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common
modern-day misconceptions are discussed. The program includes a brief
tour of the current night sky. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)
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Sunset Meditation
Friday, December
6th at 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, then travel from Earth to beyond our galaxy.
(Recommended for ages 10-adult)
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Planetarium Admission: $11 per person
for one show
$20 per person for two shows on the same day
Payments are taken at the Planetarium on the day of the
show.
Planetarium 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.
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.
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Geminid Meteor
Shower
This annual meteor shower is one of the best of the year.
It is predicted to peak on the night of December 13. Under a dark sky
with no moonlight or light pollution to interfere, one can see as many
as 120 meteors per hour! But this year, the peak arrives two days
before the Full Moon, so there will be plenty of moonlight to wash out
meteors. And as for light pollution? Well, we live in New Jersey, so
there is often plenty of that. Luckily, many of the Geminids are
bright, so bundle up and grab a cup of hot cocoa, and look up and all
around after dark. The best time to see any meteor shower is after
midnight, if you can stay up that late.
Learn more about the
Geminids
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Winter
Solstice occurs on December 21.
The December solstice is the moment the Sun is directly
above the Tropic of Capricorn in
the Southern Hemisphere.
This is the southernmost latitude it reaches during the year.
After the solstice, the Sun begins moving north again. In the Northern
Hemisphere, we have our fewest number of daylight hours now. Each day
after the solstice, the Sun rises and sets a little north of where it
did the day before, extending the daylight by about a minute or so each
day. Hooray!
Learn more about the
Winter Solstice
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Moon Phases
New Moon December
1
First Quarter December
8
Full Moon December
15 The Cold Moon
Last Quarter December
22
New Moon December
30
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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!
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The Theatre at RVCC | 118
Lamington Road | Branchburg, NJ 08876 US
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