New Shows Debut at State Planetarium in September

The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to announce the addition of two new shows to the Planetarium schedule: The Moon, for children through age 8, and Áróra, an award-winning film about the science and beauty of auroras for general audiences. The new shows will premiere on the schedule beginning September 2.

The Moon teaches young children about the Earth and the Moon, and how observations can help us better understand the world around us. Áróra is an immersive full-dome show that transports audiences to Iceland to learn the story of the aurora, the northern and southern lights. The audience voyages through time and space to find out how auroras are caused by the Sun, how Earth’s auroras have siblings across the solar system, and how different cultures have explained this majestic and mysterious phenomenon. Áróra will be shown in 8K resolution, taking advantage of the full potential of the planetarium.

“Our newest programming was chosen with the Museum’s motto, ‘Inspiration. On Display,’ in mind,” explains Dr. Jacob Hamer, Planetarium Assistant Curator, of his selection process. “I chose The Moon to ensure that our youngest audiences are inspired to learn more about astronomy through an experience that teaches them how to observe the world around them – a skill of great importance in our complex world! Our other new show, Áróra, will captivate audiences of all ages. So many people dream of seeing the aurora just once in their lives. When watching Áróra, you can almost believe you’re seeing it for real, and you can’t help but be inspired by its beauty.”

Planetarium programs will be shown Saturdays and Sundays in September. The schedule with show times and descriptions is on the Museum’s website, statemuseum.nj.gov. Tickets for each show must be purchased at the Planetarium box office on the day of the show; the box office opens 30 minutes before each show. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and $9 for seniors. The Museum also participates in the Families First Discovery Pass program.

The New Jersey State Museum is open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm; closed on all State holidays. General admission is free. For additional information visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov.