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Reaching for the stars: from boats to breakthroughs
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In the early 1950s, astronomy outreach at Sheshan was already in full swing. Reaching the observatory was an adventure: visitors had to take a bus to Qingpu (a suburban district in Shanghai), then transfer to a small wooden boat and row for hours along narrow waterways to reach Sheshan. Yet, the allure of stargazing drew crowds.
Hou Jinliang, Party secretary of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, recalls those days vividly, when even a small wooden boat ride couldn’t deter enthusiasts.
Today, the museum’s stargazing events fill up instantly, reflecting the public’s undiminished curiosity.
Three years ago, the museum embarked on its largest renovation. Faced with two options for the century-old telescope — restore it as a static exhibit or return it to operational status — the latter was eventually chosen.
The Shanghai Science and Technology Commission and the Songjiang District government provided support in reviving the telescope as an interactive educational tool. This summer alone, it hosted over 100 families for stargazing sessions, offering immersive astronomical experiences.
Despite the public’s interest in stargazing, the challenge remains: how to make a site 40 kilometers from downtown Shanghai a must-visit destination?
The answer lies in innovation.
By incorporating cutting-edge multimedia and virtual technology, the museum aims to showcase the latest achievements in lunar and Martian exploration, the Beidou Navigation System and fundamental astronomical research.
“Our museum feels more like a museum than a science center,” Tang Haiming, head of the museum’s Sheshan education base admits, “but that’s about to change.”
With an annual footfall of 250,000 visitors, the Shanghai Astronomy Museum is evolving to connect its rich history with the future of astronomy, inspiring generations to reach for the stars.
To commemorate the museum’s 20th anniversary, the Sheshan Science Popularization Education Base has introduced a new radio astronomy curriculum for middle and high school students.
This program is supplemented by a number of novel educational instruments, including a specialized radio astronomy telescope.
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