KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) – The National Planetarium (PN) aims to integrate elements of science and art into its exhibition products to cultivate public interest, especially among the younger generation, in the field of astronomy.
Its Director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor said this includes offering various engaging activities for visitors, such as a competition to design astronaut suits and space-themed music.
"For example, in the astronaut suit design competition… designing the outfit is an art, but its functionality is science, so art and science are combined. Another example is a competition to create a planet or star based on a new exhibit developed at PN, where the shape of the planet or star represents art, while the scientific properties of the newly formed celestial body represent science.
"We also have the Cosmic Music programme, where frequencies from the universe are converted into sounds. So, we have sounds from space… then these sounds are turned into songs or music. The frequencies are the scientific aspect, while the songs or music performed represent the artistic side," he said at the Planetarium Talk Programme in conjunction with PN’s 31st anniversary celebration today.
Also present were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim, and MOSTI Deputy Secretary-General (Planning and Science Enculturation) Ruziah Shafei.
Today's programme included a talk by former Director-General of the National Space Agency and Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Prof Emerita Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman, titled ‘Integrating Art and Science Through Storytelling and the Arts.’
In conjunction with the open day, PN, a science centre dedicated to space knowledge and exploration, offered free entry, allowing visitors to experience space exploration through planetarium film screenings and the Space Pod simulation journey.
Additionally, the public had the opportunity to explore various themed exhibition spaces that highlight edutainment-based learning concepts, such as Cosmic Carousel, NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System, and Aspects of the Sky.
A variety of educational activities under Planet Kidz were also available in PN's newly opened activity room, designed specifically for children aged six to twelve.
-- BERNAMA
