When I entered Hamamatsu Science Museum Miraira after 4pm, there were many people waiting for something. There are no children there. Only adults of all ages were there. Everyone was glancing at the clock or at the reception desk, as if they were looking forward to something.

At 4:30, a science museum staff member came to guide us. I was waiting! Everyone lined up just like that. What on earth is there in a science museum that has so many adults lining up at a time like this?

In fact, the “Night Science Museum” started in July at Hamamatsu Science Museum Miraira. It is a night museum that is open to high school students and above once a month on the third Friday.

About night science museum

 

During the day, there are many curious children, and adults will often hand over exhibits they would like to use to younger children. But now it’s a science museum at night. Only adults over high school age. Take your time to look at the exhibits you want to see and experience the exhibits you want to try. It’s a two-hour evening where adults can experience science while returning to their childhood.

Of course, it’s not just about returning to your childhood and having fun. You can also experience the technology of Hamamatsu companies, which is typical of Hamamatsu, the manufacturing city. This is a science museum that is typical of Hamamatsu, where you can enjoy seeing technology in a way that only adults can see.

At the science museum at night, the thing I was most looking forward to was the special planetarium “Star Flight.”

As the name suggests, you can travel to starry skies around the world. Peru in July, Canada in August, and now France.

I wonder what kind of flight it will be like to take a flight under the stars in a planetarium… That’s how I lined up in the hallway to enter the planetarium. There, I received a small blue notebook. When I looked at it, I noticed that it said “Hamamatsu Science Museum Passport” on the cover. When I opened it, there was a stamp that said “Paris” on it. Yes, this is a flight. I had to bring my passport.

It was time for the planetarium to open. Go inside, keep your distance, and take a seat. The seats are reclining seats, so you won’t hurt your neck even when you look up. Then, the words “Enjoy your flight!” appear on the screen above your head. It was like getting on a plane and just before taking off, it felt so real that I started to get excited.

As soon as the scheduled time arrived, the screening began. The story begins, of course, with the plane taking off. French landscapes, famous facilities, and spectacular starry skies. This flight will relieve the frustration of not being able to go there right now, but it will also make you want to go someday.

The starry sky is great. I was captivated by how quickly the 30 minutes passed, and felt like applauding when it was over. It makes us realize that the starry sky in faraway France and here in Hamamatsu, where we are now, are one star.

After watching Star Flight, I soaked in the afterglow while drinking litmus tea at the science library cafe “S.O.W.” on the first floor. “That starry sky was beautiful…” “That constellation is made of that star.” “I wonder which country’s starry sky will be next time.” I took a commemorative photo at the slightly quiet cafe, still feeling like I was on a flight.

Why not enjoy Starflight at the science museum once a month?

Hamamatsu Science Museum HP: 「https://www.mirai-ra.jp/」

Adult-only special planetarium “STARFLIGHT” held once a month on the 3rd Friday only

 

* science library cafe “S.O.W.” has been changed to “kitchen KOPPE”. Please check the homepage for details.