MUSEUMS
Dragon Skies: Astronomy of Imperial China

This exhibit takes visitors on a journey back in time to when the power of the Chinese Emperor depended on the skill of his royal astonomers. It immerses visitors in the intriguing story of Imperial Chinese astronomy where records of important astronomical events were precisely documented over hundreds of years. Through artifacts, interactives, multimedia and text, students and families explore how and why Imperial Chinese astronomers had highly advanced knowledge. The 4,000-square-foot exhibition includes artifacts from China's Imperial past, including several genuine items from the Nanjing Museum. Custom hands-on exhibits encourage visitors to explore how the artifacts were used.

The exhibition premiered at Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, CA, in 2005 and is traveling to museums and science centers throughout the United States before returning to China in 2007.

Visit the "Dragon Skies" Web site: www.dragonskies.org

Credit: Photograph courtesy Sam Willard