(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will offer a wide variety of offerings in February, including Valentine’s Day programs, laser concerts and star shows for all ages, and special activities and an exhibition in honor of Black History Month.
In addition, star gazers all over are gearing up for a total solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, April 8. Its path will run from Mexico, through Texas, up to Buffalo, NY, and Vermont. New Jersey residents will see about 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon. The RVCC Planetarium’s astronomy shows in February and March will include a five-minute presentation explaining a solar eclipse and describing how to view it safely. Solar eclipse glasses also are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop.
The following shows will be presented at the Planetarium in February:
The Little Star that Could, Saturdays, February 3 & 10 at 3:00pm - Travel with an average yellow star on his quest to get a “name” and a planet to call his own. A “cool” red star, a “hot” blue star, a dying star, double stars, and the Milky Way Galaxy teach Little Star some important things about being a star. The show offers a great introduction to the different kinds of stars in space, as well as the planets in our solar system. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 at 4:00pm - Sing along to some favorite pop rock songs while lasers are animated on the dome overhead. Selections include "Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Jae Jepsen, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, February 3 at 5:00pm - This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, 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.
Our Lovely Skies, Saturdays, February 3 & 10 at 7:00pm - Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful stellar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love stories in the sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Laser Love, Saturdays, February 3 & 10, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, February 14 at 8:00pm - This laser concert celebrating love features such tunes as “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, “Seasons of Love” from Rent, and “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. The Wednesday evening performance is for couples age 16 and older only, and the Saturday shows are open to all ages.
Sunset Meditation, Friday, February 9 at 7:00pm - 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 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)
Romancing the Stars, Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00pm - it’s date night at the Planetarium! Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe with a show focusing on stars, constellations, and stories that all celebrate love. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for couples ages 16 and older. A similar show on Saturdays is open to all ages.
An image from the RVCC Planetarium show, Follow the Drinking Gourd, which is based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title.
Follow the Drinking Gourd, Saturdays, February 17 & 24 at 3:00pm - Learn to find the Big Dipper and other stars in our night sky. Then, we’ll go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression. The Big Dipper guides the family through a frightful but rewarding voyage. Sing along with the slaves who used the song of the Drinking Gourd to travel north on foot from Alabama to Canada. Based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title, this show describes the astronomy behind the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” (Recommended for ages 6-12)
To highlight the show, in honor of Black History Month RVCC will hold a special program, “Exploring the Underground Railroad Using Codes,” Saturdays, February 17 and 24. Families may stop by to participate in the activities anytime between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. Recommended for ages 6-12, the activities will focus on the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people and places that helped thousands of enslaved people move northward as far as Canada to escape slavery. Participants may explore hands-on activities and view displays about nature, codes, and African Americans who have made a difference. Regular Planetarium admission is charged for the Follow the Drinking Gourd show, but there is no charge for the special exhibition and drop-in activities.
Cosmic Mashup, Saturdays, February 17 & 24 at 7:00pm - Learn all about gravity, galaxies, and supermassive black holes in this new show. Scientists are finding supermassive black holes in the center of most galaxies. Are they formed through galactic collisions? What is the life story of black holes? These are just some of the topics that will be explored. The program also will include an introduction to the stars visible in tonight’s sky and information about safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Laser Queen, Saturdays, February 17 & 24 at 8:00pm - The legendary music of Queen transcends time, and this show might rock audience members right out of their seats. Did we mention that the group’s lead guitarist, Brian May, is an astrophysicist? Come rock the cosmos in a blaze of light, sound, and color. Some of Queen’s hit songs highlighted in the show include “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “We Are the Champions.”
Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 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.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.
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