By Joanne Kleinle
Being inside does not have to mean being bored. Don’t let the winter get you down. Look up! The beautiful night sky and stars are not just for making wishes. You and your family can learn all about the fascinating universe surrounding us at The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College. The Planetarium at RVCC offers a wide range of programs, activities, exhibits, and shows- including the wide sky itself viewed through the 3M Observatory- that will bring the universe and all its wonder to you this winter.
One way to begin your journey through the universe is to check out the Planetarium’s website at www.raritanval.edu/planetarium. There you can find the schedule for family-friendly shows offered in the comfortable 100-seat theater. Regular shows cost only $10 per ticket, and $18 for two shows back-to-back. The schedule of shows changes each month, but they often have fun seasonal themes. For example, in February, they host a special Valentine’s show with a romance theme – no kids allowed. It is the perfect date night. In honor of African American History Month, they show “Follow the Drinking Gourd” highlighting how many slaves used the Big Dipper to find their way north to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Tickets to the show include fun hands-on activities inspired by the theme.
Special events are offered like a pajama night, laser light concerts, or Sunset Meditations. Also, look for sensory-friendly shows that are perfect for families of kids of all ages with autism or developmental disabilities. These shows are tailored to provide a comfortable, judgment-free zone that is welcoming to all families. Unlike other shows, lights are left dim, audio is lowered and kept at a consistent level and doors are left open.
Shows at The Planetarium at RVCC run about 45-60 minutes, but be sure to leave lots of extra time when planning your visit. Just outside of the theater is an exhibition area that showcases a wide range of exhibits including a full-sized model of the Mercury Space Capsule and an infrared camera that shows the warmer and cooler parts of your body. To add to the fun, there is a scavenger hunt and lots of hands-on activities available that make the exhibits come alive.
On the hill outside of the Planetarium, sits the 3M Observatory which consists of both domed and roll-off roof observatories. Here you can see the skies through a 16” Meade telescope in the domed observatory. The roll-off-roof observatory has a 14” Celestron telescope and a wide variety of portable telescopes available for viewing events. It is open when the Planetarium is open for public shows, weather permitting. Hours in October through May are Saturday evenings from about 7-9 pm and in July and August on Friday evenings from about 9 pm until 10:15 pm. If you follow them on Instagram, you can see some of the amazing pictures that have been taken through their telescopes.
The Planetarium at RVCC is available, free of charge, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day on its YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/channel/UCwV2n4MO5mvpA19wC5UeWdg. Here you can find videos, tours and more activities. This winter, don’t just wish upon the stars, get out there with your family and enjoy them in all of their glory- at The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg!
