New RVCC Planetarium Shows Focus on Viewing Universe at Gemini Observatory, Traveling to Moon

The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will offer two new shows in August, Messengers of Time & Space and Max Goes to the Moon, which premiered this spring.

Messengers of Time & Space, Fridays, August 8, 15, 22, and 29, 8 p.m.

Audience members will go on a journey through the Universe during a night of observing at the International Gemini Observatory. The show reflects on Gemini’s unique rapid-response abilities as it joins forces with such cutting-edge observatories as the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory and LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) to bring forth a new era of astronomy. (Recommended for ages 10-adults)

Max Goes to the Moon, Wednesdays, August 20 & 27, 3:30 p.m.; Thursdays, August 21 & 28, 3:30 p.m.

The show focuses on a dog named Max and a young girl, Tori, who take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. The story also covers such concepts as Moon phases and whether one could throw a frisbee on the Moon, which are thoughtfully explained so adults and children can learn together. Max and Tori’s trip proves so inspiring to people on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a Moon colony. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

The Planetarium also will feature a number of laser concerts in August. Selection include:

Rockin’ Cosmic laser concert, Friday, August 1, 9 p.m.

Enjoy a laser concert featuring songs with a “space” theme, including the Star Wars theme song, “Across the Universe” by The Beatles, “Drops of Jupiter” by Train, “Bright” by Echosmith, “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay, “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, and “Spaceman” by The Killers.

Lasers for Littles, Wednesdays, August 6 & 13, 3:30 p.m.; Thursdays, August 7 & 14, 3:30 p.m.

Our youngest audience members are encouraged to sing along with songs by a variety of artists, such as “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)

Taylor Swift laser concert, Fridays, August 8 & 15, 9 p.m.

Sing along to some of Taylor Swift’s hit songs, including “All Too Well,” “Blank Space,” “Anti-Hero,” and “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys.”

Laser Grateful Dead, Fridays, August 22 & 29, 9 p.m.

Sit back and relax while listening to some of the Grateful Dead’s greatest hits, including “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “One More Saturday Night.”

Following are some of the other Planetarium sky shows open to the public in August:

• The Skies over Hogwarts, a Harry Potter-themed tour of the night sky, Friday, August 1, 7 & 8 p.m. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

• Rockin’ Rocket Ride, a tour of the Moon, Sun, planets, and constellations with music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy, Wednesdays, August 6 & 13, 2:30 p.m.; Thursdays, August 7 & 14, 2:30 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

• Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats, Friday, August 8, 7 p.m.

• Magic Tree House: Space Mission, based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels, Fridays, August 15 & 22, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

• The Little Star that Could, an introduction to the stars and the planets in our solar system, Wednesdays, August 20 & 27, 2:30 p.m.; Thursdays, August 21 & 28, 2:30 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

• Rockin’ Rocket Ride Pajama Night, where children wear their pajamas and learn about space, with music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy, Friday, August 29, 7 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.

The Planetarium recently installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The 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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