Astronomical Museum opens space-train ride

A new ride that allows participants to witness the wonders of the universe was inaugurated at the Taipei Astronomical Museum yesterday.

With the year set at 2500, "Cosmic Adventure" simulates a space train traveling through the universe and entering an alien world before returning to a space station.

"During the 12-minute journey on a 200m track, observers get to see a range of special effects," said Li Fu-lung (黎福龍), an engineer at the museum. "The passengers are able to view simulations of different celestial objects and phenomena such as the immense force of a black hole."

Li said the ride is divided into four segments: the space station, the solar system, an alien world and the celestial bodies.

"Through which, passengers will gain a better understanding of the solar system and the universe as a whole," Li said.

Taipei Major Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) was one of those who took the space-train ride during the opening ceremony. He said he hopes that the attraction will spark kids' interest in science and astronomy, which in turn, could propel Tai-wan's scientific development.

"Here kids get exposed to the great wonders of the universe and they also have their sense of curiosity stimulated," Ma said.

"Cosmic Adventure" is open from 9:30am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday and admission is NT$70 per person.

For more information, call the museum at (02) 2831-4551.