Free shows at state's planetarium

The New Jersey State Museum auditorium performances and planetarium science exploration sky shows on the second Saturday of each month will be free to the public for the next year.

The 145-seat planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton recently reopened following a major renovation and technical upgrade. The planetarium now boasts a five-projector, full dome immersive video and digital surround sound system that provides seamless, 360-degree sound and imagery, according to a press release from the office of the secretary of state.

With the new immersive systems, the planetarium has the ability to integrate special effects, slides, analog, and 3D laser functionality with the new immersive systems. The renovation also included the refurbishing of the original 1965 cast-iron, wood, vinyl and fabric seating and the addition of a sloping floor to give every seat the best possible viewing angle.

Suitable for general audiences, the "Extreme Planets" sky show at the planetarium delves into whether or not the humans on Earth are alone in the universe. With the discovery of the first planet orbiting another star, humans now know that planets are not unique to this solar system. "Extreme Planets" explores what makes a planet "Earthlike" and takes an immersive full dome tour of several worlds, including water worlds, molten landscapes, inhabitable moons and planets with multiple suns.

Regular planetarium shows will run on the hour 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission costs $5 for adults and $4 for children, but will be free on the second Saturday of each month for the next year.

Established in 1895, the New Jersey State Museum is one of the nation's first state museums founded with an educational mission. The mission is brought to life by exhibits covering four subject areas —archaeology/ ethnology, cultural history, fine art and natural history. The museum has a three-building campus that includes the newly renovated four-level main building, the newly renovated planetarium and a 384- seat auditorium.

For more information go to www.newjerseystatemuseum. org.