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Sendai City Astronomical Observatory has a long history. 68 years ago, in 1954, Professor Yoshio Kato of the Tohoku University Faculty of Science, who became the first director of the observatory, strongly desired to "build a facility with a proper, solid telescope for children and students." He continued to appeal to educators in the prefecture, and with the establishment of the Observatory Construction Committee, construction began in September of the same year in Nishi Park, located along the left bank of the Hirose River
After that, the first planetarium in Tohoku opened in 1968, a solar telescope was installed in 1982, and viewing services at Nishi Park ended in 2007
In July 2008, the Sendai City Astronomical Observatory opened in its current location in Nishikigaoka, Aoba Ward
What are the highlights of Sendai City Astronomical Observatory?
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Sendai City Astronomical Observatory is roughly divided into two floors
One will be an exhibition room and the other will be a planetarium
What's inside the exhibition room?
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The exhibition room is dimly lit, and a giant planet from the solar system floats on the ceiling, creating a unique space that gives the impression of being separated from the present time and the outside world
The museum is divided into various areas, including the Earth, Atmosphere, Sun, Galaxy, and the Universe, and in each area you can learn about the mysteries of the universe in detail through exhibits and experience corners
For example, in the Galaxy area, there is a corner called "Seeing constellations in 3D." It is a photo taken from the side, but can you tell what constellation it is?
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The main clues are that there are seven main stars, and that the constellations are visible in winter
Of course, I won't tell you the answer here, so please check it out for yourself
In addition, there are five hands-on experience corners in the GEN Plaza in the center of the exhibition room, where children can play and experience things with famous physicists and astronomers
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There are also many other exhibits and experiences, too numerous to mention here, such as a model of the universe created in the 16th century
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The planetarium is an additional charge, but if you check the Sendai City Astronomical Observatory website, you can watch a variety of movies exclusive to the planetarium
I've been to planetariums many times in the past, but I'm embarrassed to say that I often fell asleep during the show because it was so relaxing
However, I don't know if it's a soothing effect or what, but I naturally feel relieved of fatigue after the screening ends
Be prepared to splurge! The fascinating museum shop
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The Sendai City Astronomical Observatory's museum shop is located on the opposite side of the exhibition room and planetarium
There are plenty of items that can only be purchased at the museum shop! There are so many things I want
Not only is there the space food that everyone is curious about, but there are also space-themed lights, various interior items, towels, T-shirts, and more - no matter how much money you have, you can't buy enough
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It's no wonder that some visitors to Sendai City Astronomical Observatory come just to visit the museum shop
There were so many things I wanted that I couldn't decide what to buy, but since I'm living on an allowance, I just played the gachapon
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Maybe it's because I'm a boy, but when I come to places like this I don't feel satisfied unless I spend some money on something
If you feel a little hungry, come to reception and head to Sora Cafe!
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There is also a space at Sendai City Astronomical Observatory where you can get some snacks
It's a food van type snack shop, but don't be fooled, the food here is quite authentic and delicious
On this day, I ordered a pepper sandwich and hot coffee from the sandwich set, and because they bake the bread thoroughly after you order, the taste was quite authentic
There are tables and chairs next to Sora Cafe, so it's a good place to take a short break
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Of course, eating and drinking are prohibited inside the exhibition rooms and planetarium, but it's recommended if you're feeling a little hungry!
summary
For the people of Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City Astronomical Observatory has a long history and is a representative site of the prefecture that everyone has visited at least once
The exhibits and planetarium continue to evolve, making it a fun place to visit any time
It's a great place to drop in on your own, as well as with children!
I'm a member of the Neft editorial team. I love alcohol, music, and traveling, so I indulge in some drinks after work on weekdays, and on weekends, if I have free time, I travel to nearby areas. I work hard every day with the goal of eventually traveling overseas to find connections to Tohoku through NEFT reporting.
