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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 JULY 2021 7 SCIENCE Get ready to be mesmerised at the Esplora Planetarium Please scan the QR code below for more information on the Planetarium Films & Live Shows PLANETARIUM EXPERIENCE Live Shows | Films | Exhibits For more information kindly call on 2360 2300 or email on info@esplora.org.mt ESPLORA | Interactive Science Centre Villa Bighi, Kalkara KKR 1320 - Malta www.esplora.org.mt Esplora Interactive Science Centre was part-financed by ERDF. Esplora was declared to be an Emblematic Project by the EU Commission Discover the WHO does not find space mes- merising? In the eyes of a young- ster, it seems glittery, immense, and magical. On the other hand, adults associate it with hope, re- laxation, and romance. Indeed, space is all of the above, and much, much more! Having said the above, we cannot fully appreciate the wonders of the skies without the appropriate in- struments. Gazing at the night sky solely with our naked eyes already drifts us onto a breathtaking jour- ney, let alone seeing it up closely. But most of us are neither astro- nauts nor aeronauts, right? Worry not! Esplora Interactive Science Center has your back covered. We are sure you have noticed the huge metal sphere as part of our building. Well, if you still have not visited our center, make sure that this time round you will, because we can take you to an incredible and breathtaking journey up close to space, yes, in that sphere! We call it the EsploraPlanetarium, it is like a cinema, however, its seats recline and tilt back, not only to keep you comfortable, but to al- so enable you to view projections on the hemisphere ceiling. It feels like you are looking up at the night sky, but this time round, you will be feeling like an astronaut! So viv- id and real. We do fun yet educational shows for children, and more elaborate and informative projections for the adult generation. Our experi- enced science communicators will explain and help you understand the sensory journey. You only have to switch off your phones, sit back and enjoy the experience. We offer shows that discover the wonders of the night sky whilst others take you on a voyage to space and back. We also offer films about astronauts, planets, legends, and astrology myths. Such shows and films are catered for various ages. Our helpful receptionists will guide you to choose the ap- propriate show or film according to your likings. Let us spoil you with one of our show titles, and briefly explain its content. 'Wonders of The Night Sky' is a show suitable for ages seven and over, because, let's face it, who doesn't like to take a closer look at the starry night? This show enables us to understand what light pollution is and how it effects our view of the night sky. Our science communicators clearly explain how stars were used for navigation purposes by humans. They also take us on a trip to the ISS, around our solar system, on a tour around the Milky Way and back. Pretty exciting, right? However, our Planetarium does not only showcase space-relat- ed films and shows. For instance, Esplora's thematic quarter (July to September 2021) is about 'Our Bodies inside Out', and yes, we are showcasing a film (ages 11+) with explained features about cells in the human body, and other relat- ed body functions. So, when visit- ing during this quarter, make sure you do not miss out the film Cell! Cell Cell! By now I believe that you have gathered how fun and interest- ing it is to visit our Esplora Plan- etarium. We would also like to emphasise that we incorporate educational aspects in all the en- tertainment we offer. We believe in learning through fun, through physical experience, and through visuals. We are here to help you answer your questions and to ig- nite your passion for science. Our team looks forward to meeting and greeting you, and to sharing our experience with you. We hope to see you soon! Alison is an explainer at the Es- plora Interactive Science Centre