RVCC Planetarium’s November Programs to Include Sensory-Friendly Show, Guided Meditation Experience

The Raritan Valley Community Planetarium in Branchburg has some special shows planned in November, include a sensory-friendly program geared for audience members who are sensitive to loud noises and complete darkness, and a guided meditation experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats.

The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, will run Saturday, November 1, at 5 p.m. Approximately 45 minutes in length, the show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark), and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon, and constellations.

Sunset Meditation, offering a guided meditation experience for audiences ages 10 to adult, will be presented Friday, November 14, at 7 p.m. 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. Relax under a night sky filled with stars, then “travel” from Earth to beyond our galaxy.

Additional shows planned in November at the RVCC Planetarium include:

• Perfect Little Planet, a children’s star show, Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, at 3 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqP7pNoEHm0

• Laser Pop Rock laser concert, Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, at 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

• Astronomy Tonight, a guided tour of the night sky, Saturday, November 1, at 7 p.m. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory, located next to the Planetarium, will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

• Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon laser concert, Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, at 8 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

• Rockin’ Rocket Ride, a musical star show for young children, Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

• Lasers for Littles, a laser concert for young children, Saturday, November 22, at 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. The Planetarium is closed Thanksgiving weekend, November 27-30.

The Planetarium has 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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