Shanghai demands many activities of the visitor—some to experience, some to see, others to feel.
In 2021, it decided to open the world’s largest astronomy museum.
To geeks and non-geeks alike—the astronomy museum is a wonder—no wonder China ‘is the future’!
Shanghai and Astronomy
Shanghai and astronomy goes a long way—the Seshan Observatory, built in late 1800s by French Jesuits, still remains open to the curious.
The science museum within city limits have astronomical insights.
The scale of the astronomy museum located in Lin’gang overrides every other place.
Reaching the Shanghai Astronomy Museum
A 30 min local train ride from the Picasso muralled Longyang Road station, and a short walk from Lin’gang station.
Wherever museums are—can school children be kept away?
The Architecture
Astronomy aside—the architecture is a marvel.
As in all places in China—reservations are helpful (especially during holidays). Tickets are available at the entrance. Translators are available for a deposit and they are super helpful.
Exploring the Museum
The tour starts with the evolution of astronomy through civilizations and cultures and leads to a hall with a rotating Earth.
Moon rock and asteroids are on display—so is the sun with solar flares.
Einstein, Science and Philosophy
All the show leads way to the explanation—from Einstein to Pascal—Einstein has his own gallery and models explaining relativity to anyone who cares to learn on a day trip.
Philosophy and science intermingle.
Space Exploration
All this leads to real world satellites and space exploration modules on display—at scale—
The visitor is drawn into a black hole and emerges into a well-stocked café.
The explorer finds himself resting under a planet.
By the East China Sea
After hours of feeding on science, one can unwind by the East China Sea- with cat in tow- a 10 minute ride away from the astronomy center.
The skyburst by the sea gives an impression of a UFO descending upon Earth.
The wetland is a site that merits its own visit—but for the time—strapped tourist!
The Inevitability of Extinction
The museum never fails to remind the visitor of the inevitability of extinction—
The visitor feels the urge to keep exploring—albeit under the watchful eye of ‘Big Brother’.
With this terse reminder in mind—the earthling keeps rotating.
