The Astronomical Photography Exhibition that is organized by Macao Science Center and the Macau Astronomical Society is currently held at Gallery 2 of the Exhibition Center until 21 February 2016. The organizers hope to raise public interest in astronomy, and to share their experience in astronomical photography with the public while promoting the importance of dark starry skies conservation.

This morning, an opening ceremony was held for the Astronomical Photography Exhibition. The officiating guests were Mr. Au Weng Chi, Member of the Macao Foundation Board of Directors, Mr. Sylvester Cheong, Deputy Curator of MSC, Mr. Oscar Leong, Head of Education and Exhibits Department of MSC, Mr. Lei Chi Fai, President of the Macao Astronomical Society, and Mr. Stanley Ng, Director of the Macao Astronomical Society.

This is the first joint exhibition on astronomical photography in Macao, showcasing over 100 pieces of astronomical photographs in which 85 of them come from the past photography activities by the Macao Astronomical Society and were published in the “Astronomical Photo Album”. Other photographs are provided by the Planetarium of the Macao Science Center. There are also a projection area, workshops and a portable dome theatre for visitors to experience the starry sky in various angles.

In addition, the “Macao Inter-schools Astronomical Knowledge Contest 2015” that is organized by the Macao Astronomical Society, co-oranganized by the Macao Science Center and sponsored by the Macao Foundation had an award presentation ceremony this morning as well. The contest was held at the Plantearium of MSC on 12 December 2015, aiming to promote and to raise local students’ interest in astronomy. Around 300 students from 11 secondary schools particiapated in the contest.

During the contest, the “Digital Sky 2” system was used to display the questions and to simulate celestial phenomena, providing real time information of different celestial bodies, and their orbits or coordinates. The system is also capable of displaying the latest 3D visuals of different celestial bodies in the solar system, which gave the contestants a unique experience of travelling in space.

The list of winners of the “Macao Inter-schools Astronomical Knowledge Contest 2015” is now posted on MSC Facebook fan page and the official webpage of Macao Astronomical Society.

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Macao Science Center Limited                                                              01-PR-PUB-16                                       

16 January 2016