RVCC Planetarium Plans Variety of Children’s Programs in July

Children’s programming is the “star” of the shows at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg this summer. The following events are being planned in July for youngsters and their families:

Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, at 2:30 p.m.; Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, at 2:30 p.m.

Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious “M?” This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote and Laser Lite, Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, at 3:30 p.m.; Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, at 3:30 p.m.

Join us for a one-hour event featuring an astronomy show and a laser concert. Coyote thinks he knows everything about the sky, but he’s surprised by how many misconceptions he has about eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies. Then, rock out to about 20 minutes of songs and lasers. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Forward to the Moon, Fridays, July 11, 18, 25, 8 p.m.

Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st Century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the universe. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Accidental Astronauts, Fridays, July 18 & 25, 7 p.m.

Robo-kids Cy, Annie, and their dog, Armstrong, get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Explore the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon; collect an asteroid sample in low gravity; and survive a solar storm. Find new appreciation for the unique beauty of Earth. Journey along with the Accidental Astronauts in this epic dome theater adventure. (Recommended for ages 5-10)

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

• Rockin’ Cosmic laser concert, featuring rock songs with a “space” theme. Fridays, July 25 & August 1, 9 p.m.

• Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats, Friday, July 11, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

• Summer Lights Laser Concert, featuring songs that remind audiences of summertime, Fridays, July 11 & 18, 9 p.m. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

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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