Where to go to see the sky's stars in NJ

By Mary Ann McGann and Vicky Valet

Published: June 4, 2015

Four hundred years ago, the Italian astronomer, mathematician, and physicist Galileo first used a simple telescope to study the skies. In 2009, we celebrated the International Year of Astronomy to commemorate that important anniversary of scientific history.

While the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City is always a superb option in your personal quest to reach for the skies, New Jersey also has some top-notch planetariums and observatories of its own.

There has been a lot of mention recently in the media about the sorry state of science education in the United States, says Kevin Conod, astronomer and planetarium manager at the Newark Museums Dreyfuss Planetarium. Astronomy is a great way to get kids interested in science, since it is so interdisciplinary. In our programs, we cover earth science, life science, astronomy, physics, and mythology.

The Dreyfuss Planetarium was built in 1953 and was the first of its kind in the state. Since then, approximately 1.5 million people have visited its 50-seat star theater, which boasts a Zeiss ZKP3 star projector, capable of projecting up to 7,000 stars.

The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch uses new digital equipment to take visitors beyond the more traditional, earthbound view.

We can travel through our solar system more realistically, says Jerry Vinski, director of The Planetarium. We can recreate what Galileo saw.

Another facility offering cutting-edge technology is the Planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. The 150-seat facility with reclining seats features a Full Dome Video with the visual ability to soar into space to view other planets and Earth itself.

In addition, amateur astronomy clubs at facilities such as the Sperry Observatory at Union County College and the Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory at Rutgers offer their time and telescopes to the general public, taking visitors on tours of the nighttime sky.

The sky is chock full of bright stars, says Newark Museums Conod. Not to mention planets, galaxies, nebulae, constellations, and much more. Which makes any clear night a perfect time for stargazing.

Here is a listing of New Jersey planetariums and observatories. Some offer shows that require reservations, so its a good idea to call ahead and check schedules. Admission prices at planetariums that are part of museums may be added to museum admission. If planetariums and observatories pique your interest in stargazing and you'd like to learn more, think about joining one of the United Astronomy Clubs in New Jersey.

The Longo Planetarium The County College of Morris 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, NJ 973-328-5755

Dreyfuss Planetarium The Newark Museum 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 973-596-6550

New Jersey State Museum Planetarium 205 West State St., Trenton, NJ 609-292-6308

Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg, NJ 908-231-8805

Robert J. Novins Planetarium Ocean County College College Drive, Toms River, NJ 732-255-0343

Edleman Planetarium Science Hall, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro, NJ 856-256-4389

Peyton Hall Astronomical Observatory Temporarily relocated to Green Hall, Third Floor Ivy Lane, Princeton, NJ 609-258-3801

Many observatories dont open if its raining or cloudy, so call ahead if the weather is questionable. (Note: please call ahead to confirm all information such as times and dates.)

North Jersey Astronomical Group Montclair State University, Richardson Hall One Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ 973-655-4000

Paul H. Robinson Observatory Edwin E. Aldrin Astronomical Center Voorhees State Park, Lebanon Township, NJ 908-638-8500

Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory Serin Physics Laboratories, Busch Campus of Rutgers University 136 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 848-445-8973

John W. H. Simpson Observatory Washington Crossing State Park 355 Washington Crossing, Titusville, NJ 609-737-2575

William Miller Sperry Observatory Union County College 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ 908-276-2730

William D. McDowell Observatory 2DeKortePark Plaza,Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-4623

United Astronomy Club of New Jersey 333 State Park Rd., Hope, NJ 908-459-4909

Mary Ann McGann is freelance writer from New Jersey. She has two children.

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Stargazing at New Jersey Planetariums and Observatories