We are delighted to welcome you 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.
The RVCC Planetarium will be closed for maintenance from September 22 - October 18.
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.
Please Note: 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.
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
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| The Sky Above (sensory friendly), Saturday, September 7, 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. |
September 2024
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back to back 908-231-8805
September Planetarium Shows
The RVCC Planetarium will be closed for maintenance from September 22 - October 18.
| Date | Time | Show | Ages |
| Sat., Sept. 7 | 3:00 pm | Perfect Little Planet | 6-12 |
| 4:00 pm | Laser Kids | 6-12 | |
| 5:00 pm | The Sky Above *sensory-friendly | All ages | |
| 7:00 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 8-12 | |
| 8:00 pm | Best of Pink Floyd laser concert | 10-adult | |
| Sat., Sept. 14 | 3:00 pm | Perfect Little Planet | 6-12 |
| 4:00 pm | Laser Kids | 6-12 | |
| 7:00 pm | Black Holes | 8-adult | |
| 8:00 pm | Best of Pink Floyd laser concert | 10-adult | |
| Sat., Sept. 21 | 3:00 pm | Rockin’ Rocket Ride | 3-8 |
| 4:00 pm | Lasers for Littles | 3-8 | |
| 7:00 pm | Mayan Archeoastronomy | 10-adult | |
| 8:00 pm | Best of Pink Floyd laser concert | 10-adult |
| Perfect Little Planet, Saturdays, September 7, 14, 3:00 pm 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) |
| Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, September 21, 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) |
| Laser Kids laser concert, Saturdays, September 7, 14, 4:00 pm A mix of music with a song list to entertain kids and kids at heart while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Bright,” by Echosmith, “YMCA” by the Village People, “Mia” by Bad Bunny, and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. (Recommended for ages 6-12) |
| Lasers for Littles, Saturday, August 21, 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) |
| Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult) |
| Black Holes, Saturday, September 14, 7:00 pm “Black Holes” takes audience members on a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a black hole. Take a virtual tour through space and explore the science and mystery of black holes: Where do they come from? How do we find them? Is there one on Earth’s horizon? (Recommended for ages 8 to adult) |
| Mayan Archeoastronomy, Saturday, September 21, 7:00 pm In a feast of colors and sounds, Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe makes a tour of 6 Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque and Bonampak where the spectator dives into a Mayan world of knowledge about the importance of the orientations of its temples in relation to the movement of some stars like the Sun, the Moon and Venus. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) |
| Best of Pink Floyd laser concert, Saturdays, September 7, 14, 21, 8:00 pm Lasers dance across the Planetarium’s dome, accompanied by Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.” |
