Raritan NJ
4-14-2025 7:55pm

Astronomy Day, Centennial of Planetariums to be Celebrated at RVCC

The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will launch its May programs with a special Astronomy Day and Centennial of Planetariums celebration on May 3, with activities planned from 2-5 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m.

During the event, which is appropriate for families with children age six and older, those attending are invited to participate in hands-on activities celebrating astronomy, science, and 100 years of Planetariums. Activities will include observing the Sun (safely) and the Moon through telescopes and using one’s body to tell time on a sundial. The 3M Observatory, located just outside the Planetarium, will be open for solar observing during the day and peeks of the Moon and other celestial objects in the evening sky. The program’s activities are free of charge, but there are costs to attend any Planetarium shows or laser concerts.

Also on May 3, at 7 p.m. the Planetarium will present, Astronomy Tonight: Is that a Moon or the Death Star? May the 4th be with you! Does science fiction always precede science fact? Using the Planetarium’s DarkMatter digital theater, the program will explore planets and moons beyond Earth that look suspiciously like worlds described in the Star Wars universe. Participants also will be treated to a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. The program is recommended for audiences ages 8-adult.

Later in the month, the Planetarium’s offerings include 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI, shown on Saturdays, May 10 and 17, at 7 p.m. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. The Mayall telescope, installed on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, features DESI's 5000 independently operated robots that can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. The show offers an exploration of the science, instruments, and people behind this global endeavor. For additional information about the program, which is recommended for audiences ages 10-adult, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeggpUt4Dec.

Following are some of the other May Planetarium sky shows and laser concerts open to the public:

  • Laser Kids laser concert, Saturdays, May 3 & 10, 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
  • The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly program specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders, Saturday, May 3, 5 p.m.
  • Laser Taylor Swift, Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17, 8 p.m.
  • Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats, Friday, May 9, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
  • Lasers for Littles, Saturday, May 17, 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

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

Last fall, the Planetarium installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The new system offers 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.

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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