Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium to celebrate Astronomy Day, Centennial of Planetariums on May 3

BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg Township will launch its May programs with a special Astronomy Day and Centennial of Planetariums celebration on May 3, with activities scheduled from 2–5 p.m. and 7–9 p.m.

The event, which is appropriate for families with children ages six and older, invites attendees to take part in hands-on activities celebrating astronomy, science, and 100 years of planetariums. Activities will include safe solar and lunar observations through telescopes and using one’s body to tell time on a sundial. The 3M Observatory, located just outside the Planetarium, will be open for solar viewing during the day and for glimpses of the Moon and other celestial objects in the evening. All activities are free of charge, though there is a fee for attending Planetarium shows or laser concerts.

Also on May 3 at 7 p.m., the Planetarium will present Astronomy Tonight: Is That a Moon or the Death Star? May the 4th Be With You! The program, using the Planetarium’s DarkMatter digital theater, explores whether science fiction precedes science fact by examining planets and moons beyond Earth that resemble those described in the Star Wars universe. The show will also include a guided tour of the night sky’s stars and constellations. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. This program is recommended for audiences ages 8 to adult.

Later in the month, the Planetarium will feature 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI, showing on Saturdays, May 10 and 17, at 7 p.m. The program highlights the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall Telescope at Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI features 5,000 independently operated robots that measure light from thousands of galaxies simultaneously. The show explores the science, instruments, and people behind this groundbreaking global effort.

For additional information about the program, which is recommended for audiences ages 10-adult, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeggpUt4Dec.

Following are some of the other May Planetarium sky shows and laser concerts open to the public:

• Accidental Astronauts, Saturdays, May 3 & 10, 3 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12); Trailer: https://youtu.be/lRd13aDT_mA
• Laser Kids laser concert, Saturdays, May 3 & 10, 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
• The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly program specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders, Saturday, May 3, 5 p.m.
• Laser Taylor Swift, Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17, 8 p.m.
• Sunset Meditation, a guided meditation experience in the Planetarium’s comfortable, reclined seats, Friday, May 9, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
• Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, May 17, 3 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-8); Trailer: https://youtu.be/ThkByJaMh4w
• Lasers for Littles, Saturday, May 17, 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

For a complete list and schedule of RVCC Planetarium star shows and laser concerts open to the public, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.

Last fall, the Planetarium installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The new system offers brighter, clearer images and sharper sound quality, as well as an enhanced ability to “fly” through the Universe. The upgrade was funded through the RVCC Foundation by a generous RVCC supporter.

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 shows 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.