The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum is a special place located in the pristine natural environment of Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, where visitors can deeply explore the universe and astronomy. Beyond simply observing celestial bodies, the museum’s various exhibits broaden the understanding of space and astronomy while vividly conveying the history of human space exploration. The museum particularly offers a visual experience of the origin of the universe and the development of astronomy through its exhibits.  

 

 

 

 

1. Permanent Exhibits on the Birth and Evolution of the Universe

The exhibition halls at the Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum are centered around the theme of the universe’s birth and evolution. From the Big Bang Theory to the formation of stars and planets, and the structure of our galaxy and the solar system, the museum provides in-depth explanations. Through visual aids and 3D models, visitors can experience the origins and evolution of the universe firsthand, feeling the vastness and mystery of space.

 

The exhibition also covers various astronomical phenomena, with a particularly noteworthy exhibit explaining the life cycle of stars. This exhibit illustrates how stars are born, grow, and ultimately perish, highlighting the critical role stars play in the universe.

 

2. The History of Astronomy

Another major exhibition theme at the Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum is the history of astronomy. It covers everything from early attempts by humans to observe the sky to the remarkable achievements of modern astronomy. The exhibition explains the progression of technological advancements, from ancient astronomical tools to medieval discoveries by astronomers and modern space telescopes.

 

In particular, the exhibit walks visitors through Galileo Galilei’s historic use of the telescope to observe the heavens, right through to the present-day scientific discoveries. This journey allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of how astronomy has evolved and how science has contributed to humanity’s exploration of space.

 

3. Unlocking the Secrets of Our Solar System

One of the central exhibits at the museum is the section dedicated to the solar system. The exhibit compares the characteristics of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and other planets, displaying their orbits and sizes in near-realistic proportions to help visitors visualize the solar system. This exhibit provides fascinating insights into how the solar system’s planets were formed and the unique environments of each planet.

 

Additionally, the museum offers exhibits on interactions between Earth and the Moon, as well as astronomical phenomena such as solar eclipses and lunar eclipses, deepening visitors' understanding of these everyday celestial events.

 

4. Exhibits on the Latest Achievements in Space Exploration

The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum also features exhibits on the latest accomplishments in space exploration. Visitors can learn how modern space probes and robots operate and how humans have carried out explorations of the Moon and Mars. There is also information about the role of satellites, life in space, and future space exploration plans, giving a sense of the rapid progress in space technology.

 

The exhibit on recent Mars rover missions and lunar exploration projects serves as an important element, inspiring curiosity about the future of space exploration.

 

5. A Unique Experience in Nature

What makes the Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum special is its location in nature, offering astronomy combined with a natural setting. Visitors can enjoy a clear, unpolluted view of the night sky away from city lights, allowing for a clearer and more beautiful stargazing experience. The pristine environment surrounding the museum offers ideal conditions for celestial observation, making for unforgettable memories of exploring the universe.

 

6. Family-Friendly Astronomy Camps

The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum regularly hosts astronomy camps that are perfect for families. During these camps, participants explore constellations and learn astronomical knowledge, while enjoying outdoor activities like campfires. Spending a night observing celestial bodies in nature provides a unique and memorable experience for all participants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  The lunar rover displayed in the corridor connecting the exhibition halls caught my attention.

 

 

 

 

 

There are three types of telescopes on display : the Galilean telescope , the Keplerian telescope , and the Newtonian telescope .

Among these, the Galilean telescope, even when you try to look through it from various angles, doesn’t show things clearly. The reason isn’t that the telescope is broken. Rather, it’s because this telescope was made exactly in the same way the Italian astronomer Galileo constructed his telescope 411 years ago in 1609 for his astronomical observations. This type of telescope is called a Galilean telescope , and to overcome its inconvenient observation difficulty, Kepler designed the two Keplerian telescopes that are displayed in the center. The museum has installed both types of telescopes side by side, allowing visitors to compare the two and experience the differences in observation. Detailed descriptions of each telescope’s characteristics are displayed in front of the telescopes.

 

 

 

Additionally, there is an exhibit on Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory’s main telescope , which is also featured on the 10,000-won banknote —a frequent subject in Korean astronomical observation displays.

The 10,000-won bill, which we commonly use, features some of Korea’s proud astronomical observation devices. Among them are the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (a star chart including the Big Dipper ), the Armillary Sphere (Honcheonui) , and next to it, the Bohyunsan Observatory’s main telescope . A 1/6 scale model of the Bohyunsan main telescope is also displayed in front of the panel.

This model represents the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory’s main telescope , which is featured on the back of the 10,000-won bill. It is the largest telescope in Korea with a 1.8-meter aperture reflector , completed in 1996. It gathers tens of thousands of times more light than the naked eye can.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Opposite the telescopes, there is a display panel featuring the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido , a star chart that offers a glimpse into the astronomical knowledge of our ancestors. (The original is housed at the National Palace Museum of Korea .)  

 

 

 

 

 

The cosmic distance comparison panel highlights the immense scale of the universe, comparing distances between celestial bodies. Alongside this, another exhibit focuses on the formation of Earth , detailing how our planet was born from cosmic dust and gases over billions of years, eventually becoming the life-sustaining planet we know today.  

 

 

 

 

 

   

Types of Electromagnetic Waves and Infrared Camera Experience Exhibit

There are many different types of light, including gamma rays , X-rays , ultraviolet rays , visible light , infrared rays , microwaves , and radio waves —all of which are forms of electromagnetic waves. However, we can only see visible light .

At this exhibit, you can use an infrared camera to capture infrared light, a type of light that our eyes cannot detect. Such displays are commonly found in science museums, but what made this one unique was not simply standing in front of the infrared camera to observe temperature differences based on body heat.

What was particularly interesting here was the opportunity to use a cooling rod located to the left of the exhibit. After holding the cooling rod with one hand for 10 seconds, you raise both hands in front of the infrared camera to compare the temperature differences displayed on the screen, making the experience even more engaging!

   

 

 

 

 

The panel that caught attention:  "Star Lovers" .  

It features both domestic and international scientists, though most people are only familiar with the names of the foreign scientists.

However, when you look closely, you'll realize that Korea’s astronomical knowledge, which began with ancient astronomy, is by no means inferior.

 

 

 

(left) You can view real-time footage of Earth captured from the International Space Station (ISS) . There's also a display showing how the space shuttle is transported. 

(right) The shuttle is mounted on a modified aircraft and carried from Earth to its destination.  

 

 

 

 

 

🙌  The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum is a space where visitors can explore the mysteries of the universe and the development of astronomy through its exhibits. With diverse visual aids, models, and scientific explanations, the museum covers everything from the origins of the universe and celestial phenomena to the latest achievements in space exploration. This exhibition space is the perfect place to foster an interest in astronomy and answer questions about the vast universe.

 

 

 

 

😉Recommended for:

Anyone interested in space and astronomy, especially families and students.