In order to cultivate the public interest in astronomy, Macao Science Center ("MSC" or the "Center") will hold three astronomical lectures on the theme "Starry Night" in April. The feasibility of space travel and residence and the Twenty-four Solar Terms in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar will be covered. Meanwhile, the place of origin of astronomy -- the Royal Observatory Greenwich -- will be introduced to allow visitors to acquire rich astronomical knowledge from multiple perspectives.

Space travel has always been a dream for humans. The first lecture on the sub-theme "Next Stop Space: Space Travel" will be held at 17:00 on April 2 (Saturday). Ms. Lydia Lung, a senior astronomy instructor from AstroLink, will probe into the feasibility of space travel and residence. What are the scientific and technological challenges to space exploration? Can the general public afford space travel? You might get satisfactory answers from this lecture.

The second lecture on the sub-theme "The Twenty-four Solar Terms" will be delivered by Mr. Yue Wai Chun, head of the occultation section of the Hong Kong Astronomical Society, at 17:00 on April 23 (Saturday). The Twenty-four Solar Terms are a vital component of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, epitomizing the ancients' wisdom of obtaining a good harvest by adapting to the environment and climate change. They are included in the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The lecture will center on the origin and development of the Twenty-four Solar Terms and the influences on daily life and modern astronomy.

The third lecture on the sub-theme "Online Tour of the Royal Observatory Greenwich" will be held at 17:00 on April 30 (Saturday). Tania Marques, an astronomer from the Peter Harrison Planetarium, will guide the audience to have an online tour of the time-honored Royal Observatory Greenwich in London, Britain. Astronomical instruments and the historic Prime Meridian will be shown. The lecture will be delivered in English.

All the three lectures will be held for free without registration at the Planetarium, MSC. Free tickets will be distributed by the ticketing office of MSC on the days of the events.

Macao Science Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday regardless of public holidays. It is closed on Thursdays and Lunar New Year's Eve. To learn more about the activities and information of the Center, please visit the website of Macao Science Center at www.msc.org.mo and check the latest announcements on social media.

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Macao Science Center Limited                                                                                                    06-PR-PUB-22

March 30, 2022