RVCC Planetarium August Shows Include Cosmic Questions, Unseen Earth

BRANCHBURG, NJ — The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will host a month of August programs centered on space science, family entertainment and one night of guided meditation.

The public schedule includes star shows on cosmic mysteries, the night sky and Earth observation satellites, along with children’s programs and Friday laser concerts.

Among the featured programs is Cosmic Questions, set for Fridays, Aug. 7 and 21, at 7 p.m.

The show explores questions about space submitted by museum staff members and local celebrities, including topics such as aliens, black holes and the multiverse.

The program is recommended for audiences ages 6 through adult.

Astronomy Tonight is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m.

Using the Planetarium’s DarkMatter digital theater, the program offers a guided tour of the night sky, including constellations visible from sunset to sunrise and the stories connected to them.

The college says the 3M Observatory will be open after the show, weather permitting. The show is recommended for ages 8 through adult.

Sunset Meditation will be offered Friday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m.

According to the program description, the event combines a guided meditation with a gentle astronomy experience in the planetarium’s reclined seats.

The college describes the planetarium as a dark and quiet space for relaxation. The program is recommended for ages 10 through adult.

Unseen Earth is scheduled for Fridays, Aug. 14, 21 and 28, at 8 p.m.

The show focuses on how Earth observation satellites have changed the way people view the planet, and it examines monitoring, disaster response and environmental change. It is recommended for ages 10 through adult.

Additional August events include Rockin’ Rocket Ride for ages 3 to 8, Perfect Little Planet for ages 6 to 12, The Little Star that Could for ages 6 to 12, and Accidental Astronauts for ages 5 to 12.

Friday night laser concerts include Grateful Dead Laser Concert on Aug. 7 and 14, and Best of Pink Floyd Laser Concert on Aug. 21 and 28.

Both laser concert programs are recommended for ages 10 through adult.

Tickets cost $11 for one show and $20 for two back-to-back shows on the same day.

Reservations are recommended, but ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission is not permitted.

For the full public schedule, visit raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.

For reservations or information, call 908-231-8805 or email planet@raritanval.edu.

The college also says laser shows include loud music, flashing lights and rapidly moving graphics in a dark environment, which may not be recommended for people sensitive to those conditions or with a medical condition that could be worsened by them.