We are delighted to welcome visitors back to the Planetarium!
Planetarium shows run 45-60 minutes. In addition to the show itself, we have a small exhibit area and a gift shop with books, toys, and, of course, Astronaut ice cream.
COVID Safety: Face masks are optional in all campus buildings including in the Planetarium. Raritan Valley Community College will continue to review its mask-wearing guidelines as warranted.
Plan to arrive early! Planetarium shows start promptly. Late admission is not allowed. Arrive 20-30 minutes before your show starts to purchase your tickets and look at the exhibits.
Parking: The closest parking lots are #9 and #1. Walk up the stairs to get to the Planetarium entrance. Call the Planetarium if you need handicapped parking.
Admission: $10 per person for one show, $18 per person for two shows back to back
Make a reservation: Reservations are recommended. All ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show.
Call 908-231-8805
Email planet@raritanval.edu (Please provide your name, phone number, which show(s) you’d like to see, and how many tickets you’d like.)
Contact: planet@raritanval.edu for more information or with any questions.
Countdown to the Eclipse
There will be a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Its path will run from Mexico, through Texas, up to Buffalo, NY and Vermont. New Jersey will see about 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon. Join us to learn about moon phases, solar eclipses, and learn how to watch an eclipse safely. Our astronomy shows in January, February, and March will include a 5-minute presentation about what a solar eclipse is and how to view it safely. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop.
Sensory - Friendly Shows
The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium in Branchburg offers special astronomy and music shows designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. These sensory-friendly shows, which are appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. 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.
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows
908-231-8805
Sensory-Friendly Planetarium Shows
The Sky Above (sensory friendly), Saturdays, February 3, March 2, May 4, 5:00 pm A special astronomy and music show designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. These sensory-friendly shows, which are appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. 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 Sky Above” show includes music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations. Content is presented on a kindergarten level. |
Special Events
Special Events
Sunset Meditation, Fridays, January 12, February 9, March 8, April 19, May 10, 7:00 pm Relax under the starry skies in the Planetarium while experiencing a guided meditation. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Just for Youngsters, Saturdays, January 27, March 30, May 4 We have astronomy and music programs for families with kids ages 3 and older. 3:00 pm is “Rockin’ Rocket Ride.” 4:00 pm is “Lasers for Littles” music and laser concert. | |
DATE NIGHT - SOLD OUT Romancing the Stars, Wednesday, February 14, 7:00 p.m. For ages 16 & older (no children, please) It’s date night at the Planetarium! Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe. Stars, constellations, songs, and stories all celebrate love. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for adult couples only, please. A similar program on Saturdays is open to everyone. | |
DATE NIGHT Laser Love, Wednesday, February 14, 8:00 pm This laser concert celebrates LOVE! Songs include “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Valentine’s Day evening performance is for adult couples only, please. Saturday is open to everyone. | |
Exploring the Underground Railroad with Codes, Saturdays, February 18, 25, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. *FREE ACTIVITIES* Explore hands-on activities inspired by codes found in the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and in quilt squares to learn more about astronomy and 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. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
The RVCC Planetarium will NOT be open for the solar eclipse on April 8. | |
Astronomy Day and Centennial of Planetariums, May 18, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Join us for hands-on activities celebrating Astronomy, Science, and 100 years of Planetariums! Observe the Sun (safely) and the Moon through our telescopes. Use your body to tell time on a sundial. The 3M Observatory will be open for solar observing during the day and peeks of the Moon and other celestial objects in the evening sky. The event is appropriate for families with children ages six and older. Activities are free. Planetarium shows and laser concerts are an additional cost. |
February 2024
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back to back
908-231-8805
February Planetarium Shows
Date | Time | Show | Ages |
---|---|---|---|
Sat., Feb. 3 | 3 pm | The Little Star that Could | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Pop Rock | 6-12 | |
5 pm | The Sky Above (sensory-friendly) | all ages | |
7 pm | Our Lovely Skies | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Love | all ages | |
Fri., Feb. 9 | 7 pm | Sunset Meditation | 10-adult |
Sat., Feb. 10 | 3 pm | The Little Star that Could | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Pop Rock | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Our Lovely Skies | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Love | all ages | |
Wed., Feb. 14 | 7 pm | Romancing the Stars-SOLD OUT | 16-adult (no children) |
8 pm | Laser Love | 16-adult (no children) | |
Sat., Feb. 17 | 3 pm | Follow the Drinking Gourd | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Pop Rock | 6-12 | |
3-5 pm | Exploring the Underground Railroad with Codes *FREE ACTIVITIES* | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Cosmic Mashup | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Queen | ||
Sat., Feb. 24 | 3 pm | Follow the Drinking Gourd | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Pop Rock | 6-12 | |
3-5 pm | Exploring the Underground Railroad with Codes *FREE ACTIVITIES* | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Cosmic Mashup | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Queen |
Countdown to the Eclipse – February and March There will be a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Its path will run from Mexico, through Texas, up to Buffalo, NY and Vermont. New Jersey will see about 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon. Join us to learn about solar eclipses, and learn how to watch an eclipse safely. Our astronomy shows in February and March will include a short presentation about what a solar eclipse is and how to view it safely. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. | |
The Little Star that Could, Saturdays, February 3, 10, 3:00 pm 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. Imagine Little Star’s surprise when he discovers that several planets rotate around him. 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, 4:00 pm Lasers dance across the dome while we listen to songs you can sing along with like "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 to name just a few. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, February 3, 5:00 pm Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level. | |
Our Lovely Skies, Saturdays, February 3, 10, 7:00 pm 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, Wednesday, February 14, 8:00 pm This laser concert celebrates LOVE! Songs include “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Tuesday evening performance is for adult couples only, please. Saturday is recommended for ages 10-adult. | |
Romancing the Stars, Wednesday, February 14, 7:00 pm For ages 16 & older (no children, please) SOLD OUT It’s date night at the Planetarium! Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe. Stars, constellations, songs, and stories all celebrate love. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for adult couples only, please. A similar program on Saturdays is open to everyone. | |
Follow the Drinking Gourd, Saturdays, February 17, 24, 3:00 pm Learn to find the Big Dipper and other stars in the 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, the show describes the astronomy behind the slave song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Exploring the Underground Railroad with Codes, Saturdays, February 17, 24, 3:00 – 5:00 pm *FREE ACTIVITIES* Explore hands-on activities inspired by codes found in the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and in quilt squares to learn more about astronomy and 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. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Cosmic Mashup, Saturdays, February 17, 24, 7:00 pm 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? This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky and safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Laser Queen, Saturdays, February 17, 24, 8:00 pm The legendary music of Queen transcends time, and this show might rock audience members right out of their seats. Did we mention the 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 in this show include “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “We Are the Champions.” |
March 2024
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back to back
908-231-8805
March Planetarium Shows
Date | Time | Show | Ages |
Sat., Mar. 2 | 3 pm | Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Magic | 6-12 | |
5 pm | The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program | all ages | |
7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Taylor Swift | ||
Fri., Mar. 8 | 7 pm | Sunset Meditation | 10+ |
Sat., Mar. 9 | 3 pm | Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Magic | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Taylor Swift | ||
Sat., Mar. 16 | 3 pm | Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Magic | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Ladies | ||
Sat., Mar. 23 | 3 pm | Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Magic | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult
| |
8 pm | Laser Ladies | ||
Sat., Mar. 30 | 3 pm | Rockin’ Rocket Ride | 3-8 |
4 pm | Lasers for Littles | 3-8 | |
7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Taylor Swift |
Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote, Saturdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 3:00 pm Coyote thinks he knows everything about the sky, but he’s surprised by how many misconceptions he has about eclipses, moon phases, and the motion of the day and night skies. This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky and safe ways to watch the upcoming solar eclipse. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Laser Magic, Saturdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 4:00 pm Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry; “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto; “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen; and “Let It Go,” sung by Idina Menzel. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, March 2, 5:00 pm Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level. | |
Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00 pm We’ve only got a few weeks left to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse! Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, explore why and when we have eclipses, how to view a solar eclipse safely, and experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Solar Eclipse glasses are available to purchase at the Planetarium’s gift shop. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult) | |
Laser Taylor Swift, Saturdays, March 2, 9, 30, 8:00 pm Calling all Swifties! Sing along to some of Taylor’s hit songs like “All Too Well,” “Blank Space,” and “Anti-Hero.” | |
Sunset Meditation, Friday, March 8, 7:00 pm 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. View an amazing sunset as you travel from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole. Then relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Laser Ladies, Saturdays, March 16, 23, 8:00 pm We recognize Women’s History Month with a laser concert featuring all female artists. Singers Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, and Shakira are just of few of the ladies whose music is highlighted in this show. | |
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, March 30, 3:00 pm Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8) | |
Lasers for Littles, Saturday, March 30, 4:00 pm Our youngest audience members are encouraged to sing along with songs by a variety of artists. Songs in this fun laser concert include “Kalien the Alien” by mr RAY, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Fruit Salad” by the Wiggles, and “Baby Shark.” (Recommended for ages 3-8) |
April 2024
The RVCC Planetarium will be closed Friday, April 5 – Monday, April 15 so all our staff can travel to the path of totality and watch the Total Solar Eclipse.
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back to back
908-231-8805
April Planetarium Shows
Date | Time | Show | Ages |
Fri., April 19 | 7 pm | Sunset Meditation | 10+ |
Sat., April 20 | 3 pm | Perfect Little Planet | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Kids laser concert | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Forward to the Moon | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Classic Rock | ||
Sat., April 27 | 3 pm | Perfect Little Planet | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Kids laser concert | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Forward to the Moon | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Laser Classic Rock |
Sunset Meditation, Friday, April 19, 7:00 pm 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. View an amazing sunset as you travel from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole. Then relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, April 20, 27, 3:00 p.m. A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet; sail through the rings of Saturn; feel Jupiter’s lightning storms; and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination will they choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Laser Kids laser concert, Saturdays, April 20, 27, 4:00 p.m. Sing along while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, and “Can’t Stop this Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Forward to the Moon, Saturdays, April 20, 27, 7:00 p.m. *New Show!* Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st Century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the universe. This program will also include an introduction to the stars we can see in tonight’s sky. If the skies are clear enough, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Laser Classic Rock, Saturdays, April 20, 27, 8:00 p.m. The 1970’s is the theme for this laser concert. You’ll recognize all these songs from the albums and cassettes you may still have at home. “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” by BTO, “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, “You Took the Words Right Out of my Mouth” by Meatloaf are some of the hits you’ll hear tonight. |
May 2024
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back to back
908-231-8805
May Planetarium Shows
Date | Time | Show | Ages |
Sat., May 4 | 3 pm | Rockin’ Rocket Ride | 3-8 |
4 pm | Lasers for Littles | 3-8 | |
5 pm | The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program | all ages | |
7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-adult | |
Fri., May 10 | 7 pm | Sunset Meditation | 10+ |
Sat., May 11 | 3 pm | Accidental Astronauts | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Worlds | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Pink Floyd’s The Wall laser concert | ||
Sat., May 18 | 3 pm | Accidental Astronauts | 6-12 |
4 pm | Laser Pop Rock | 6-12 | |
7 pm | Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Worlds | 10-adult | |
8 pm | Pink Floyd’s The Wall laser concert |
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, May 4, 3:00 pm Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8) | |
Lasers for Littles, Saturday, May 4, 4:00 p.m. Our youngest audience members are encouraged to sing along with songs by a variety of artists. Songs in this fun laser concert include “Kalien the Alien” by mr RAY, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” from Sesame Street, “Fruit Salad” by the Wiggles, and “Baby Shark.” (Recommended for ages 3-8) | |
The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, May 4, 5:00 pm Welcome to a comfortable and judgement-free zone to learn some astronomy. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level. | |
Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m. Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the stars and constellations of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult) | |
Sunset Meditation, Friday, May 10, 7:00 pm 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. View an amazing sunset as you travel from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole. Then relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Accidental Astronauts, Saturdays, May 11, 18, 3:00 p.m. Robo-kids Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon! Collect an asteroid sample in low gravity! Survive a solar storm! Find new appreciation for the unique beauty of Earth. Journey along with the Accidental Astronauts in this epic dome theater adventure. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, May 11, 18, 4:00 p.m. Lasers dance across the dome while we listen to songs you can sing along with like "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 to name just a few. (Recommended for ages 6-12) | |
Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Worlds, Saturdays, May 11, 18, 7:00 p.m. For thousands of years, we thought that we were the center of the Universe. Since then, science has taught us an astonishing amount about our cosmos. But even before we knew that our Sun was just one of many ordinary stars out there, people began to question if we were alone in the Universe. It’s possible that someone or something is, at this very moment, looking in our direction and asking the very same question. In its infinite nature, the Universe must have had endless possibilities to create other places like Earth. It is not the question of whether life exists elsewhere, but where we will have to look, and how we will find it — out there. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) | |
Pink Floyd’s The Wall laser concert, Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, 7:00 p.m. This classic laser concert features hits from the band’s popular album including “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Hey You,” and “Comfortably Numb.” |
June 2024
No public shows in June. Public shows resume in July.