New shows coming this January at the RVCC Planetarium!

 

January 2025       January 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.   Our Full Public Show Schedule   Saturday, January 4, 2025   Little Star That Could 3:00 p.m. Travel with an average yellow star on his quest to get a “name” and a planet to call his own. A “cool” red star, a “hot” blue star, a dying star, double stars and the Milky Way Galaxy teach Little Star some important things about being a star. Imagine Little Star’s surprise when he discovers that several planets rotate around him. The show offers a great introduction to the different kinds of stars in space, as well as the planets in our solar system. (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)   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. 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)   Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert 8:00 p.m. Lasers dance across the Planetarium’s dome, accompanied by Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)   Friday, January 10, 2025   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, January 11, 2025   Little Star That Could 3:00 p.m. Travel with an average yellow star on his quest to get a “name” and a planet to call his own. A “cool” red star, a “hot” blue star, a dying star, double stars and the Milky Way Galaxy teach Little Star some important things about being a star. Imagine Little Star’s surprise when he discovers that several planets rotate around him. The show offers a great introduction to the different kinds of stars in space, as well as the planets in our solar system. (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)   Asteroid: Mission Extreme 7:00 p.m. *New Show! Go on a journey to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds – veritable way-stations in space – enabling us to cross the Solar System. The challenges are enormous, but a mission so extreme could ultimately lead us to protect our planet and inhabit others. Explore what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert 8:00 p.m. Lasers dance across the Planetarium’s dome, accompanied by Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)   Saturday, January 18, 2025   Little Star That Could 3:00 p.m. Travel with an average yellow star on his quest to get a “name” and a planet to call his own. A “cool” red star, a “hot” blue star, a dying star, double stars and the Milky Way Galaxy teach Little Star some important things about being a star. Imagine Little Star’s surprise when he discovers that several planets rotate around him. The show offers a great introduction to the different kinds of stars in space, as well as the planets in our solar system. (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)   Asteroid: Mission Extreme 7:00 p.m. *New Show! Go on a journey to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds – veritable way-stations in space – enabling us to cross the Solar System. The challenges are enormous, but a mission so extreme could ultimately lead us to protect our planet and inhabit others. Explore what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert 8:00 p.m. Lasers dance across the Planetarium’s dome, accompanied by Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)   Saturday, January 25, 2025   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)   Asteroid: Mission Extreme 7:00 p.m. *New Show! Go on a journey to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds – veritable way-stations in space – enabling us to cross the Solar System. The challenges are enormous, but a mission so extreme could ultimately lead us to protect our planet and inhabit others. Explore what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)   Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert 8:00 p.m. Lasers dance across the Planetarium’s dome, accompanied by Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult)   Sunset Meditation   Friday, January 10 7:00 pm 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)    Our Sensory Friendly Show   Saturday, January 4 5:00 pm   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.   January at a Glance   Saturday, January 4 3:00 pm: Little Star That Could 4:00 pm: Laser Pop Rock 5:00 pm: The Sky Above *sensory-friendly program 7:00 pm: Astronomy Tonight 8:00 pm: Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert   Friday, January 10 7:00 pm: Sunset Meditation   Saturday, January 11 3:00 pm: Little Star That Could 4:00 pm: Laser Pop Rock 7:00 pm: Asteroid: Mission Extreme 8:00 pm: Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert   Saturday, January 18 3:00 pm: Little Star That Could 4:00 pm: Laser Pop Rock 7:00 pm: Asteroid: Mission Extreme 8:00 pm: Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert   Saturday, January 25 3:00 pm: Rockin' Rocket Ride 4:00 pm: Lasers for Littles 7:00 pm: Asteroid: Mission Extreme 8:00 pm: Best of Pink Floyd 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.   Visit Our Website for Show Schedules and Descriptions     Moon Phases   First Quarter January 6 Full Moon January 13 Last Quarter January 21 New Moon January 29     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.