Outer space is the final frontier and you can learn more about it at the National Planetarium, writes Hanna Hussein
A fun and informative place for visitors
Experience the life of an astronaut at the space living quarters
Try out the Soyuz capsule that once ferried space crew to and from space stations
Telescopes are provided so visitors can observe other planets
THE National Planetarium is a great place for a fun educational experience.
Located adjacent to the National Museum, atop a hill in the vicinity of Perdana Lake Garden in Kuala Lumpur, the National Planetarium is an impressive blue dome-like structure resembling a mosque, but with a futuristic look.
Although it is a bit tiring to climb the steps to the planetarium, it is worth it for the information on astronomy and space.
SPACE GALLERY
It has an exhibition on planets and outer space.
No boring facts here. The exhibits are interactive with touch screens and quizzes that are a hit with visitors of all ages.
There are also models of a space shuttle and its propulsion system, the Soyuz capsule and many more exciting exhibits.
LIVING IN SPACE
Investigate the living quarters of astronauts while they are in space.
Do you know that astronauts live without water in space? So how do they keep themselves clean?
Their space cabin is equipped with wet tissue and toiletries such as deodorant. The toilet is vacuum-based where all wastes are sucked into a hole.
Being able to try all the equipment in the quarters lets me have a taste of the experience of our first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.
TOUCH THE STARS
The highlight of the visit is the Planetarium Show where an Omnimax-style film is projected onto the interior roof of the dome.
The huge screen offers a panoramic view that enhances the film. I feel like I am walking among the stars.
I watch the Solar Storm movie which gives me the chance to see the sun up close. I also get to see the most brilliant auroras on Earth and take a ride on a solar blast from the Sun’s surface to Earth Magnetosphere. I get a deeper understanding of what this vast sea of fire means to life on Earth.
Other films include Fly Me To The Moon, Passport To The Universe, Dawn Of The Space Age and Space Opera.
Next month, there will be new shows namely Race To The Earth, Earth, Moon and The Sun and Alien Adventure.
OBSERVING THE SUN AND MOON
Use telescopes to observe the sun and the moon, and take part in many observatory activities such as spotting the Moon, Mars, Saturn and Venus.
An outdoor Ancient Observatory Park exhibits interesting replicas and actual astronomical structures used locally and throughout the world such as the Merdeka Sundial, Jantar Mantar, Stonehenge and The Gou Shou Jing Observatory.
At a glance
THE planetarium is open daily from 9am to 4.30pm, except on Mondays.
Admission to the exhibition gallery is free.
Planetarium show tickets cost RM12 for adults and RM8 for children. Mykad and MyKid cardholders get 50 per cent discount.
For details, call 03-2273 5484 or go to www.angkasa.gov.my/planetarium
Article source: http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/holiday/walk-among-the-stars-1.36930