RVCC Planetarium to Present Halloween, Star and Laser Shows Enhanced by Upgraded Technology

Local audience members can celebrate Halloween via an upgraded trip to the skies at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg. Visitors now may enjoy an enhanced viewing and listening opportunity thanks to the Planetarium’s recently installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that will provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience.

Over the past month, New Hampshire-based SSIA Technologies delivered and installed new projectors, computer renderers, and peripherals, which was followed by several days of software training for the Planetarium staff. The new system provides brighter, clearer images and sharper sound quality, as well as an enhanced ability to “fly” through the Universe. The upgrade was funded through the RVCC Foundation by a generous RVCC supporter.

The Planetarium will present three Halloween shows in October:

• Family Fright Light laser concert, Saturday, October 26, 4 p.m.

Enjoy a laser concert featuring such holiday-themed tunes as “The Adams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

• Halloween: Celestial Origins, Saturday, October 26, 7 p.m.

Learn about the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day” during this new production. The show includes an exploration of the night sky and information about what planets, constellations, and stars will be viewable on Halloween evening. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

• Fright Light laser concert, Saturday, October 26, 8 p.m.

For a slightly older crowd, this laser concert features such songs as “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

In addition to the Halloween offerings, the Planetarium will present Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Saturday, October 26, at 3 p.m., for children ages 5-12 and their families. The show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. To learn more, visit https://shorturl.at/dZDho.

For a complete list of all RVCC Planetarium star shows and laser concerts open to the public, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.

Planetarium tickets cost $11 for one show, $20 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805 or email planet@raritanval.edu. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Planetarium laser shows include loud music, flashing lights, and rapidly moving graphics, all in a dark environment, and therefore may not be recommended for those who are sensitive to these conditions or have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by them.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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