講演情報
[PO2-20]Akashi Municipal Planetarium: A Museum of Time and Space on the Japan Standard Time Meridian
*Takeshi Inoue1, Yasuhito Suzuki1, Naoko Kato1, Yuko Ishii1, Ayumi Okinaka1, Aiko Nishiyama1, Miki Harada1 (1. Akashi Municipal Planetarium (Japan))
キーワード：
meridian、Carl Zeiss Jena、optical planetarium Projector、good sleep、hero、heritage technology、educational innovation
Akashi Municipal Planetarium stands exactly on the Japan Standard Time Meridian (135°E) and has served as a museum of time and space since 1960.The origins of the facility reflect the passion of Akashi citizens who embraced the meridian after Japan adopted 135°E as its standard time in 1886. A monument was erected in 1910, and subsequent surveys in 1928 and 1951 precisely confirmed th location, leading to the construction of this unique public science museum.
The planetarium’s centerpiece is the Carl Zeiss Jena UPP23/3 optical projector, installed at the opening. Developed as an evolution of the Zeiss Model II, it preserves the pre-digital engineering approach of representing celestial positions through finely crafted gear mechanisms. As the oldest fully operational optical planetarium projector in both Japan and Asia, it is recognized as a technological and cultural asset. Notably, it was imported from former East Germany, offering significant historical value as an example of international scientific exchange. Remarkably, the UPP23/3 survived the severe damage caused by the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, contributing to the decision to restore and reopen the planetarium in 1998 as a symbol of resilience. Today, Zeiss engineers continue supporting periodic maintenance to ensure its long-term preservation.
Akashi provides diverse live, curator-led programs, including daily stargazing, themed shows, “Stars and Music,” and the inclusive “Baby Planetarium.” Innovative initiatives such as the “Good Sleep Planetarium,” now held in over 70 facilities nationally, and the hero-themed “Shigosenger” program—honored with the naming of an asteroid—demonstrate strong public engagement.
Combining heritage technology, educational innovation, and community commitment, Akashi Municipal Planetarium continues to connect people with the universe—across generations and through time.
*This presentation will introduce the history and activities of the Akashi Municipal Planetarium.*
The planetarium’s centerpiece is the Carl Zeiss Jena UPP23/3 optical projector, installed at the opening. Developed as an evolution of the Zeiss Model II, it preserves the pre-digital engineering approach of representing celestial positions through finely crafted gear mechanisms. As the oldest fully operational optical planetarium projector in both Japan and Asia, it is recognized as a technological and cultural asset. Notably, it was imported from former East Germany, offering significant historical value as an example of international scientific exchange. Remarkably, the UPP23/3 survived the severe damage caused by the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, contributing to the decision to restore and reopen the planetarium in 1998 as a symbol of resilience. Today, Zeiss engineers continue supporting periodic maintenance to ensure its long-term preservation.
Akashi provides diverse live, curator-led programs, including daily stargazing, themed shows, “Stars and Music,” and the inclusive “Baby Planetarium.” Innovative initiatives such as the “Good Sleep Planetarium,” now held in over 70 facilities nationally, and the hero-themed “Shigosenger” program—honored with the naming of an asteroid—demonstrate strong public engagement.
Combining heritage technology, educational innovation, and community commitment, Akashi Municipal Planetarium continues to connect people with the universe—across generations and through time.
*This presentation will introduce the history and activities of the Akashi Municipal Planetarium.*