The stars will be out at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in August, with shows focusing on such topics as the mysteries of space, the constellations visible in the night sky, and Earth observation satellites. For those looking to add some much-needed relaxation to their lives, the lineup also will include a guided meditation and light astronomy experience.
Here are some of the month’s highlights:
Cosmic Questions, Fridays, August 7 and 21, at 7 p.m.
Several museum staff members and local celebrities were asked to contribute their questions about space, and the answers are explained during this new star show, tackling such big mysteries as aliens, black holes, and the multiverse. Join us for a wild ride through the cosmos as we uncover the peculiar, the obvious, and the far-out. (Recommended for audiences ages 6-adult)
Astronomy Tonight, Friday, August 7, at 8 p.m.
Using the Planetarium’s DarkMatter digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Discover some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Sunset Meditation, Friday, August 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. Enjoy a guided meditation and gentle astronomy experience in the comfortable, reclined seats in the RVCC Planetarium. Relax under a night sky filled with stars, then travel from Earth to beyond our galaxy. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Unseen Earth, Fridays, August 14, 21, and 28, at 8 p.m.
Humanity never saw Earth as a whole until about 50 years ago. Since then, satellite technology has transformed our view of the planet, revealing dynamic patterns, rich data, and constant change. This program explores how Earth observation satellites revolutionize our understanding of the planet as a living system, enabling accurate monitoring, rapid disaster response, and deeper insight into ongoing environmental transformations worldwide. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Additional Planetarium star shows and laser concerts scheduled in August include:
- Rockin’ Rocket Ride, a musical star show for young children, Wednesdays & Thursdays, August 5, 6, 12, and 13, at 2:30 p.m.; Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
- Perfect Little Planet, a children’s star show, Wednesdays & Thursdays, August 5, 6, 12, and 13, at 3:30 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
- Grateful Dead Laser Concert, Fridays, August 7 & 14, at 9 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
- The Little Star that Could, an introduction to the stars and the planets in our solar system, Wednesdays & Thursdays, August 19, 20, 26, and 27, at 2:30 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
- Accidental Astronauts, a star show geared for children, focusing on such topics as the sun, Earth, the Moon, and gravity, Wednesdays & Thursdays, August 19, 20, 26, and 27, at 3:30 p.m. (Recommended for ages 5-12)
- Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert, Fridays, August 21 & 28, at 9 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-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.
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 programs 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.
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