New Jersey Astronomy Center for Education

PLANETARIUM

Public Star Shows

Laser Concerts

 

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picture inside the planetarium

 
 
the Planetarium
Public Star Shows
tunnel into planetarium


* Laser Concerts

* Star Shows & Laser Concerts
* Just for Kids
* Special Events
* Admission / General Policies
* Directions to the Planetarium
* Contact Us


New Technology allows for a new way to stargaze at RVCC!
“Breathtaking.”  “Awesome.”  We are the first large planetarium in New Jersey to install a digital projection system. Six powerful, high definition projectors combine real images and computer animations to create an immersive "you-are-there" style experience. With DigitalSky 2, audiences feel as though they are zooming through the solar system, past the Milky Way, and to the very edges of the universe.  Featured in our new shows “Two Small Pieces of Glass” and “Tycho to the Moon,” and an updated version of “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket.”

 

STAR SHOWS & LASER CONCERTS:

There are no public shows between May 17 and July 6, 2009.

All shows run approximately 40 minutes.

Admission:
$6 for one show, $11 for two shows on the same day

Call 908-231-8805 for reservations!

Summer Schedule July 7 - August 27, 2009
General Audience Shows (for ages 8 to adult)
Tuesdays    7:30 p.m.   Two Small Pieces of Glass
                                      "
Two Small Pieces of Glass" traces the history of the telescope from
                                      Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass—using two small pieces of
                                      glass—to the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the future of
                                      astronomy. It explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers
                                      through out the last 400 years.

                    8:30 p.m.  Best of Pink Floyd laser concert (July 7, July 21)
                                      Laser 80’s  (July 14, July 28)
                                      Laser U2 (August 4, August 18)
                                      Light Waves 2  (August 11, August 25)

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.  Summer Skies
                                      The Summer Triangle dominates the evening skies this season.  Saturn is
                                      visible.  Join us on Thursday evenings throughout the summer to learn what
                                      stars and constellations we can see as well as hear about some current
                                      events in astronomy.

                   8:30 p.m.  Laser U2 (July 9, July 23)
                                    Light Waves 2  (July 16, July 30)
                                    Best of Pink Floyd laser concert (August 6, August 20)
                                    Laser 80’s  (August 13, August 27)

 Laser Show song lists are posted on the Laser Show page.  Click the link on the bar on the left.

Help us expand our show selections!  Have an idea for a new song, artist, band, or theme to be included in a laser concert?  Make up your lists and send to agallagh@raritanval.edu.    Thanks for your suggestions.  We'll use as many as we can.


JUST FOR KIDS

All shows run approximately 40 minutes.
Call 908-231-8805 for reservations.

Tuesdays, July 7 - August 25

2:00 p.m.      Tycho to the Moon (recommended for ages 6-10)
                     Meet Tycho, a dog who doesn’t just howl at the Moon, but wants to go there.  Blast
                     off on an amazing ride.  Learn about night and day, space travel, the phases of the
                     Moon, and features of the lunar surface.  Take a close up look at the Sun, watch the
                     effects of gravity, see the Earth from space, and watch meteors shoot across the sky.

3:00 p.m.      Laser Kids (recommended for ages 6-12)
                    Listen to songs such as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “God Bless the USA” while
                    lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead.

Wednesdays, July 8 - August 26

2:00 p.m.       Rockin’ Rocket Ride (Recommended for ages 3-8)
                     Put on your space suit and blast off into outer space.  Catchy songs teach us about the
                     planets and moon rocks.  We’ll also discover what stars are in tonight’s sky.

3:00 p.m.      Sky Lights (Recommended for ages 3-8)
                    A laser and video concert featuring songs by mr. RAY and Jane Murphy.


Thursdays, July 9 - August 27

2:00 p.m.      Secret of the Cardboard Rocket (recommended for ages 6-10)
                    Fully animated, new, all-dome version of our popular show.  Two children tour the
                    solar system in just one night with the help of their astronomy book.

3:00 p.m.      Laser Kids (recommended for ages 6-12)
                    Listen to songs such as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “God Bless the USA” while
                    lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead.

Admission: $6 for one show, $11 for two shows on the same day

Call 908-231-8805 for reservations!

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Skies over Hogwarts

Wednesday, July 29     7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5   7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Join our eclectic group of witches and wizards as they guide you through a “Harry Potter”-themed tour of the night sky.  Learn how JK Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters’ names.

Call 908-231-8805 for reservation.

Note: Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not responsible for this event but, subject to conditions, they have kindly granted us permission
                                         to use the HARRY POTTER® trademark and other materials.

 

JUST FOR KID


Admission / General Policies

  • Admission is $6.00 per person, per show, all ages, unless otherwise noted.
  • See two programs on the same day and get $1 off the second show.
  • Try a laser concert with 3D glasses for an additional $2
  • Same night Star Show and one Laser Concert for $11.00
  • Groups of 15 or more see both for $10.00 per person
  • No one is admitted into the planetarium after a show or concert has started; by order of the Fire Marshall.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before show time. Shows and Concerts must start on time.
  • General seating tickets will be held until 10 minutes before show time at the Planetarium Gift Shop.
  • Reservations do not guarantee a seat if you are late for the show or concert.
Reservations are recommended for all shows by calling the Planetarium @ 908-231-8805. 

RVCC is located between Routes 78 and 22.  Click here for directions to the College.

On campus, park in Lot #7 or #1 and proceed up the steps to the Planetarium.
  Raritan Valley Community College Updated 8/152006 by ACG