Journey to the Solar System ( An Interplanetary Adventure)
The National Museum presents an educational and entertaining show about the wonders of the universe. With a variety of sound effects and the use of an advanced technology like the star projector (GM-15 Goto Projector) which is capable of producing 8, 500 stars and other celestial objects, the Planetarium show can take the viewers into a real journey to the space. The other highlight inside the dome- shape theater is the display of different constellations where people can learn more about the exact picture of the sky during the night time.
EXHIBITS
Holding Area
Telescopes are on display in the holding area of the Planetarium. The four telescopes are the 4-inch refractor, an 8-inch reflector and two other small telescopes.
These are also used in stargazing sessions and astronomical events.
Adjacent to the telescopes is the Big Bang Theory exhibit that shows how the universe began.
Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall provides the viewers with interesting astronomy-related exhibits. The Planetarium has LCD TV where astronomy documentations are shown to give viewers other information about discoveries in our vast universe.
The exhibit titled “The Universe, Yours to Discover”, encourages people to be more aware about our existence on Earth and to Increase their interest in astronomy and science.
Filipino Myths, Beliefs and Practices
The seven (7) paintings which start the exhibits give an insight on how celestial objects and astronomical phenomenon shaped our beliefs and culture.
Great Men in Astronomy
This exhibit showcases the achievements of seven (7) great men in the field of astronomy.
The Solar System
Solar System consists of planets and other celestial objects that go around the Sun. These planets and space objects are individually displayed in tri-dimensional glass dioramas in the exhibit hall.
Exploration on the Moon
This highlights the Apollo 11 mission that brought man to explore other worlds. The scale down models of the spacecraft used and photos of first man who stepped on the Moon are shown here.
Constellations
Constellations are imaginary patterns of stars in the sky. Today a total of 88 constellations are identified. On exhibit are some of well-known star figures.
Space Explorers
Space explorers feature scale models of different rockets and spacecrafts that were used in space missions.
Meteorites
Meteorites are rocks that come from outer space that reached the Earth’s surface and the samples of these rocks are displayed on flexi-glass dome located at the exhibit hall.
Mobile Planetarium Activities
Aside from the astronomical show inside the dome, the Planetarium extends its technical and scientific services to deliver and disseminate information about astronomy through the “Mobile Planetarium”. This outreach activity aims to bring astronomy to different provinces in the Philippines.
With the use of a four-meters inflatable dome which serves as the sky, it can accommodate 35 viewers per session and a portable star projector where different constellations are projected. The documentary film showing on basic astronomy becomes possible through the use of audio-visual equipment, a laptop computer, multi media (LCD), projector, and other related equipment. An 8-inch Refractor Telescope is used in stargazing at night.
*for inquiries of this service of Mobile Planetarium please call 527-7889 and look for the Head of the Division.