BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will mark the 250th birthday of the United States in July with a new star show focused on celestial events during the Revolutionary War period and a laser concert featuring British and American music.
The planetarium also will offer a new show exploring mysteries of space and a laser concert featuring K-pop music.
The July lineup begins with “Cosmic Questions,” scheduled for Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 2:30 p.m. The program answers questions about space submitted by museum staff members and local celebrities, covering topics such as aliens, black holes and the multiverse. The show is recommended for ages 6 and older.
The new “K-Pop Laser Concert” will be presented Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 3:30 p.m.; Fridays, July 17 and 24, at 7 p.m.; and Friday, July 31, at 9 p.m. The concert features music from the band connected to “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” as well as BTS, Stray Kids and others.
The planetarium’s semiquincentennial programming includes “Revolutionary Skies,” scheduled for Fridays, July 10, 17 and 24, at 8 p.m. The new show focuses on stars, celestial events and scientists of the Revolutionary War era.
The planetarium also will present “Redcoats to Rebels” on Fridays, July 10, 17 and 24, at 9 p.m. The laser show features music from British Invasion and rock artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Queen, before shifting to American bands including Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister.
On July 31, the planetarium will celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday with “Skies Over Hogwarts” at 7 and 8 p.m. The program offers a Harry Potter-themed tour of the night sky and explains how astronomy inspired some character names. It is recommended for ages 8 and older.
Other July public shows include “Magic Tree House: Space Mission,” scheduled Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, at 2:30 p.m.; “Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote,” scheduled Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, at 3:30 p.m.; and “Sunset Meditation,” scheduled Friday, July 10, at 7 p.m.
Planetarium tickets cost $11 for one show or $20 for two back-to-back shows on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but tickets are sold at the door on the day of the show. Late admission is not permitted.
For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805 or email planet@raritanval.edu.
Planetarium laser shows include loud music, flashing lights and rapidly moving graphics in a dark environment and may not be recommended for people sensitive to those conditions or those with medical conditions that could be affected by them.
Raritan Valley Community College is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg Township.
