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.
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, October 7, November 4, December 2, 5:00 p.m. 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, November 10, December 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. Relax under a night sky filled with stars, then travel from Earth to beyond our galaxy. (Recommended for ages 10-adult) |
 | Solar Eclipse Observing, Saturday, October 14, noon - 3 p.m. An annular solar eclipse will follow a path from Oregon to Texas. New Jersey will only see about 35% of the Sun get covered by the Moon. Planetarium Staff and Volunteers will have telescopes set up for safe solar viewing, as well as live-streams for visitors to view the eclipse from more prime locations. Join us for this FREE EVENT in Parking Lot #8 and the Planetarium. Solar Eclipse times: Begins at 12:07 pm Maximum eclipse: 1:21 pm Ends at 2:36 pm |
 | Rockin’ Rocket Ride Pajama Night, Friday, November 17, 7:00 pm Put on your pajamas or 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) |
December 2023
Cost: $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back to back
908-231-8805
December Planetarium Shows
| Date | Time | Show | Ages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Dec. 2 | 3 pm | The Alien Who Stole Christmas | 6-10 | |
| 4 pm | Winter Wonder Lights laser concert | 6-adult | ||
| 5 pm | The Sky Above (sensory-friendly) | all ages | ||
| 7 pm | Astronomy Tonight | 10-adult | ||
| 8 pm | Winter Wonder Lights laser concert | 10-adult | ||
| Fri., Dec 8 | 7 pm | Sunset Meditation | 10-adult | |
| Sat., Dec 9 | 3 pm | The Alien Who Stole Christmas | 6-10 | |
| 4 pm | Winter Wonder Lights laser concert | 6-adult | ||
| 7 pm | The Christmas Star | 6-adult | ||
| 8 pm | Winter Wonder Lights laser concert | 6-10 | ||
| Sat., Dec. 16 | 3 pm | The Alien Who Stole Christmas | 6-10 | |
| 4 pm | Winter Wonder Lights laser concert | 6-adult | ||
| 7 pm | The Christmas Star | 10-adult | ||
| 8 pm | Winter Wonder Lights laser concert | 6-adult |
Planetarium closed December 23 - January 3
 | The Alien Who Stole Christmas, Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16, 3:00 p.m. Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps him. The kids on the other planets need presents too, you know! (Recommended for ages 6-10) |
 | Winter Wonder Lights Laser Concert, Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16, at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Listen to holiday hits such as “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” and “Dominic the Donkey” while lasers dance on the dome overhead. (Recommended for ages 6-adult) |
| The Sky Above (sensory-friendly), Saturday, December 2, 5:00 p.m. 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. |
 | Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, December 2, 7:00 pm 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) |
| Sunset Meditation, Friday, December 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) |
 | The Christmas Star, Saturdays, December 9 and 16, 7:00 pm Over the years, many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Was it an exploding star, a comet or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modern-day misconceptions are discussed. The program includes a brief tour of the current night sky. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult) |
 | The Planetarium is closed December 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024. Public shows resume Saturday, January 6, 2024. |
