Local Audiences to be ‘Treated’ to Halloween Shows at RVCC Planetarium in October

Celebrate Halloween throughout the month of October at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg with special holiday-themed star shows and laser concerts. The following Halloween programs will be presented:

Monster Mash Laser Concert, Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, at 4 p.m.

The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the Planetarium. They love the family-friendly laser songs, including “The Adams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

Fright Light laser concert, Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, at 8 p.m.

This laser concert, which is not intended for very young viewers or those who are easily scared, features such songs as “Alive” by Meatloaf, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Skies Over Hogwarts, Saturday, October 10, at 7 p.m.

Join our eclectic group of witches and wizards as they guide visitors through a Harry Potter-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how astronomy was the inspiration for some of the characters’ names. (Recommended for ages 8- adults)

Halloween: Celestial Origins, Saturdays, October 17, 24, and 31, at 7 p.m.

Believe it or not, Halloween is an astronomical holiday. During this program, learn about the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” Participants will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on Halloween evening. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Additional Planetarium star shows and laser concerts scheduled in October include:

• Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote), a star show focusing on eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies, Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, at 3 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

• The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly astronomy and music show for families with children on the Autism spectrum and those with other developmental disorders, Saturday, October 3, at 5 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-adult)

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

• Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation and gentle astronomy experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats, Friday, October 9, at 7 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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