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Local audiences will have the opportunity to learn much more about what’s beneath the Earth’s crust when the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium presents a new show in January, Dark Biosphere. The program, geared for ages 10 to adult, will be shown Saturdays, January 10, 17, 24, and 31, at 7 p.m.

Deep beneath the Earth’s crust, with no light, no air, and very little water, in pores and fissures of hard rock, scientists have found an enormous biodiversity of micro-organisms that thrives in extreme conditions. Dark Biosphere challenges us to rethink not only the origin and evolution of life on Earth, but also its possible existence throughout the Universe. The RVCC show has been made possible with a grant from NASA’s Space Grant Consortium.

View the Trailer: https://youtu.be/BiF1bg-dISs

The RVCC Planetarium is also offering a number of star shows and laser concerts in January that are specially designed for children:

Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote, Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 3 p.m.

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. An introduction to the stars visible in tonight’s sky is also included. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

View the Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMPML_SbL1w

Laser Pop Rock, Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 4 p.m.

Lasers “dance” across the dome while a number of favorite pop songs are played, including “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)

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, January 31, 3 p.m.

Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show features selected music from “Journey Into Space” by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

Lasers for Littles, Saturday, January 31, 4 p.m.

The youngest audience members can sing along with songs by a variety of artists, such as “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)

Other Planetarium shows scheduled in January include:

•    The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly program that’s specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders, Saturday, January 3, 5 p.m.

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

•    Laser Classic Rock, a laser show featuring songs from the 1970s, Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 8 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

•    Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats, Friday, January 9, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

For a complete schedule of 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.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2025

PR #53