Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum and the Late-Spring Cherry Blossoms in the Evening Glow
Photo・
This image shows Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum and late-spring cherry blossoms painted by the evening Sun.
Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum is on the grounds of NAOJ Mizusawa Campus, located in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. This classical structure was used as the main building of the International Latitude Observatory which preceded NAOJ Mizusawa VLBI Observatory.
At that time, the poet Kenji Miyazawa who lived in Iwate visited the International Latitude Observatory frequently; this building appears in his fairy tale “Kazeno Matasaburo (Matasaburo of the Wind).” In the story, the protagonist, “Kazeno Matasaburo,” lives on the roof of this main building. He says “If you go through there, you can learn about the records* and everything, even about all the foreign people.” in reference to the meteorological observations conducted at that time.
Now, Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum operates as a space themed science museum managed by Oshu City. Guests can learn about the Universe through various experiences. When you come to see Oshu Space & Astronomy Museum, please enjoy the cherry blossoms on the grounds as well. At the end of spring Kazeno Matasaburo is blown away in a flurry of cherry blossom petals on the premises.
(* note) In this case ‘records’ indicates the logs of observed wind speed, direction, etc.
Text by: Makoto Shizugami (NAOJ Chile Observatory)
Translation by: Ramsey Lundock (NAOJ)
Image Data
| Camera | Nikon D300 |
|---|---|
| Lens | AAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II |
| Exposure | ISO800 F9 1/5000sec |
| Date | 17:53 April 25, 2013 |
| Photographer | Makoto Shizugami (NAOJ Chile Observatory) |
| Location | NAOJ Mizusawa Campus |
| Copyright | National Astronomical Observatory of Japan |
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