Public Shows at the Planetarium

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.

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)

Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"? This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5-12) 
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijKFckJ5sR0&t=5s

The Witches and Ghouls continue to haunt the planetarium. They love our laser songs, including “The Adams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day” during this new production. We will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

For a slightly older crowd of goblins and ghosts, this laser concert features songs including “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. (Recommended for ages 10 to adult)

Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more.  Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"?  This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5-12)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijKFckJ5sR0&t=5s

Sing along to a fun playlist 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)

This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. 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 show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations.

New Show 
Space exploration is having a big impact on your life. Not only is it helping discover a universe of unimaginable scale and beauty, it’s reaching back down into our world and influencing the way we live. “To Space & Back takes you on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet. The technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use everyday. What’s happening above and beyond is coming back down to Earth. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyC6Hl82Uc&t=121s

Listen to hits from The Fab Four’s long career, such as “Twist and Shout,” “Revolution,” and “Get Back,” while lasers animate the songs on the dome overhead. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Updated Show 
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)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTeLS6veKfE 

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)

This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. 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 show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations.

Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, December 7, 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)

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 10 to adult)