During the remaining winter months and through spring, the Robert J. Novins Planetarium is offering a variety of shows and special events for all ages. Located on the OCC Main Campus, College Drive, Toms River, the Novins Planetarium is one of the largest and most active planetariums in New Jersey. New technology provides Planetarium staff with exciting ways to bring you the wonders of the Universe!
Sky Shows – Tickets: $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+) & OCC Rewards Members (with card); $7 children (12 & under); and $35 family pack (two adults/three children).
Winter Sky Shows: now through March 18
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bad Astronomy: Myths & Misconceptions answers the questions: Were the Apollo visits to the Moon a hoax? Have aliens landed on Earth? Can you tell your future by the stars? Based on the popular book and website. Shows: Fridays at 8:15 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Ages: 10 and over.
Wonders of the Winter Sky is an ever-changing program exploring the season’s constellations, bright stars, planets, and celestial highlights. Constellation mythology and recent space missions are also included. Shows: Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 1:00 and 8:15 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Ages: 10 and over.
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Stars from my Backyard is an introduction to the night sky designed for our youngest visitors featuring the Sun, Moon, constellations, planets, and weather for the current season. Stories, songs, and a rainstorm help make this an exciting show for young children. Shows: Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Ages: 10 and under.
Winter & Spring Sky Shows: now through March 18 and March 23 to June 17 (closed April 8, May 18-20)
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure features Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from China. Children will learn about the moon, the Earth, bright stars, visible planets, and constellations in the current sky. Shows: Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. Ages: 7 and under.
Spring Sky Shows: March 23 to June 17 (closed April 8 & May 18-20)
Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef is a humorous story, for the young and young-at-heart. Join Jake and Shorty, two adventurous fish on a mission to save their reef from destruction! You’ll also take a brief tour of the night sky and learn about the Moon itself. Shows: Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. Ages: 10 and under.
Exploring the Spring Sky is an ever-changing program exploring the season’s constellations, bright stars, planets, and celestial highlights. Constellation mythology and recent space missions are also included. Shows: Fridays at 8:15 p.m., Saturdays at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Ages: 10 and over.
Touching the Edge of the Universe looks at two sophisticated satellites that were launched into the Universe. These complex space telescopes look deep into space to observe the birth of stars and planets, bringing the secrets of the distant cosmos to our audience. Shows: Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. Ages: 10 and over.
Dawn of the Space Age looks back at the Russian and American ventures into the cosmos from the launch of Sputnik, to the American Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs, as well as missions to Mars and the outer planets. Shows: Saturdays at 8:15 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Ages: 10 and over.
SPRING STAR WATCH: Friday, March 23 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
The Novins Planetarium staff and members of the Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area will set up telescopes to share views of the night sky with visitors. Admission: FREE
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pajama Night: Story Telling Under the Stars
Storybooks come to life with this cozy, family-friendly event. Giant-sized pictures float among the stars to accompany the tales. Feel free to wear comfy pajamas, bring a pillow or blanket, and spend a fun and relaxing hour under the planetarium stars. Shows: Saturdays, March 24, April 21, May 12, and June 16 at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Ages: Children who still enjoy bedtime stories. Tickets: $8 per person.
SPRING BREAK SKY SHOWS: Monday to Friday, April 9 to April 13
Secret of the Cardboard Rocket – 11:30 a.m.
Exploring the Spring Sky – 1:00 p.m.
Laser Pop – 2:30 p.m.
LASER SHOWS
Shows run on Fridays and Saturdays, April 27-28 and May 25-26. Tickets: $14 adults, $12 seniors (60+) & OCC Rewards Members with card, and $10 children (12 and under). The Novins Planetarium dome will fill with color and music as brilliant lasers dance among the stars. Our new laser system is capable of covering the entire dome with spectacular laser effects. Shows change each month. Visit our website or call for show times, program titles, and playlists.
All shows begin promptly. Please plan to arrive at least 15-minutes prior to show time as there is no admittance or re-admittance once the show has begun.
Tickets are available by phone at 732-255-0400, ext. 2111. Tickets are also available at the door and go on sale 1/2 hour before each show. Multi-Show discounts and special group rates are available, please call ahead for information.
For recorded show information, call 732-255-0342. For a list of upcoming events, visit http://www.ocean.edu/planet.htm.
