Get Lost in Space This Fall at CCM’s Longo Planetarium Get Lost in Space This Fall at CCM’s Longo Planetarium

New Family Adventures and Live Night Sky Tours through December 12

County College of Morris (CCM) invites community members of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe with an exciting fall lineup in its Longo Planetarium. From a brand-new family adventure of the solar system to live tours in the night sky, there’s something for everyone under the 33-foot-diameter dome at CCM.

Making its debut is Astra and Sirius, a new 35-minute show that follows a young girl, Astra, and her faithful dog, Sirius, on an unforgettable journey through space. Join them on an exploration through the constellations and planets, discovering Mercury’s craters, Mars’ silent volcanoes, Saturn’s magnificent rings and the icy dwarf planets beyond. Recommended for ages 6 through 9, Astra and Sirius premieres Friday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m., and will continue on select Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. through December 12.

An additional new program this season, for adults and children ages 12 and older, Cosmic Mashups: Gravity, Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes, premieres on Friday, September 25, at 9 p.m.  At the core of almost every galaxy lies a dark, hungry giant: a supermassive black hole! But what turns these silent monsters into blazing cosmic engines? The answer lies in one of the most amazing events in the universe—galaxy collisions. Journey through the universe with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to see how galactic smashups trigger monster black holes, reshape galaxies and transform the night sky. This 45-minute program will continue on select Fridays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m., also through December 12.

This fall, visitors ages 9 and older can experience Starlit Nights, a live guided tour of the evening sky with CCM astronomer Kevin Conod, on select Saturdays at 5 p.m.  Using the planetarium’s state-of-the-art Digistar 7 projection system, Conod takes visitors on a fantastic trek through that evening’s stars, constellations, nebulae and star clusters.

For more information, including show trailers and ticketing, visit the Longo Planetarium on CCM’s website at www.ccm.edu/meet-ccm/longo-planetarium/. Tickets for all shows are required; the cost is $15 per person. Online reservations are strongly recommended, as a limited number of tickets will be available for cash purchase at the door. School and scout groups can be scheduled in advance. Questions may be emailed to planetariuminfo@ccm.edu.

Visitors can also subscribe to the Longo Planetarium e-newsletter to receive advance notice of upcoming shows and early ticket access.

The Longo Planetarium is located on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph in Cohen Hall, Room 207. Parking is available in Lot 7. To ensure the best viewing experience for everyone, late arrivals cannot be admitted once a show begins.

CCM offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, along with a wide range of workforce development and professional training opportunities designed to prepare students for transfer, career advancement and the evolving needs of the regional workforce.  For more information about CCM, visit www.ccm.edu.