Ocean County College

The Robert J Novins Planetarium
Celebrating 35 Years as Your Place for Space

Special Events

The Planetarium building is currently under renovation. We look forward to re-opening Fall 2010.
Meanwhile, please join us for a variety of events outside of the planetarium theater.

Telescope Workshop

Did you get a new telescope for the holidays? Did you purchase one for someone special? Or do you simply have an old telescope you haven't used in awhile? Then this is the workshop for you! Experienced amateur astronomers and Planetarium staff will be on hand to teach you the basics of how telescopes work and what you can expect to see through them. We'll then break into smaller groups to discuss the specifics of YOUR type of telescope. The ultimate goal of the evening is to have you looking at the sky through your own telescope. Bring your telescope, bring your friends and family. (please note that outdoor observing will be weather permitting.)

Friday, January 8th
7:00 PM
Free Event
Ocean County College Campus - College Center, Solar Lounge/Cafeteria (Building 15)

Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area (ASTRA) Meetings

If you're interested in learning about astronomy, telescopic observing, and other things space-related, join the amateur astronomers of ASTRA. Interested people of all ages are invited.

Second Friday of Each Month (Except August)
7:00 PM
Ocean County College Campus - College Center, Solar Lounge/Cafeteria (Building 15)
February Meeting wil be in the Technology Building Lecture Hall (Building 13)

Educator Workshop: Star Lab Training

Get hands-on training in the operation of a portable planetarium. LEarn to set-up, operate and take down the Star Lab. You'll also learn ideas on how to teach moon phases, constellations, and other basic concepts in astronomy. Completion of the training program qualifies you to rent the system for use in your school.

Section: SRBS 122-01 * Cost: FREE
Thursday, March 25, 2010
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
OCC Campus - College Center, Solar Lounge (Building 15)

Section: SRBS 122-02 * Cost: FREE
Thursday, April 8, 2010
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
OCC Campus - College Center, Solar Lounge (Building 15)

Educator Workshop: The Sun

Find out what we know about our local star. We'll highlight the connections between the Earth and Sun, as well as some of the effects for life on Earth. Weather permitting, we'll also take time to observe any visible solar prominences or sunspots through the planetarium's equipment. Take home materials have been generously provided by NASA and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).

Section: SRBS 124-01 * Cost: FREE
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
OCC Campus - Library Building, Room L017 (Building 3)

Educator Workshop: Imaging The Universe

NASA's MicroObservatory is an internet accessed telescope that you and your students can use for free. You'll learn how to access the observatory to make your own observations, and get an introduction to the software that allows you to customize the images you obtain. We'll discuss how these images compare to some of those from the largest professional telescopes and ways to use the information and activities in your classroom. Take home materials have been generously provided through a grant from the Association fo Science and Technology Centers.

Section: SRBS 123-01 * Cost: FREE
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
OCC Campus - Arts & Community Center, Lab Room B124 (1st Floor) (Building 18)

Section: SRBS 123-02 * Cost: FREE
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
OCC Campus - Arts & Community Center, Lab Room B124 (1st Floor) (Building 18)

For more information:
Recorded information    732.255.0342
Planetarium Office         732.255.0343
Planetarium Director     732.255.0400 ext 2111
or contact us via E-mail