Beijing Women's Federation

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the launch of the “China Women” carrier rocket and the Qixi Festival on August 19, the Beijing Women’s Association for Science and Technology (BWAST), with the support of the Beijing Women’s Federation and in partnership with the Beijing Planetarium, a Women’s Science Communication Service Base, hosted the “Embracing the Moon with Our Original Aspiration” special event. More than 80 members of the public gathered for an immersive journey into astronomy, saluting the pursuit of dreams by women in the new era. Li Jing, Executive Vice President of the BWAST, representatives of its Secretariat, and representatives of the Development Department of the Beijing Women’s Federation attended the event.

Group Photo

At the start of the event, participants gathered for a group photo in front of the Nandan iron meteorite in Hall A. This “messenger” from the depths of the universe silently unveils the mysteries of the cosmos, setting the stage for the event. Participants were then divided into three groups and took turns visiting three exhibition areas: the “Quest for the Moon” exhibition, the 130 Observatory, and the “Starlight Under the Dome: A Century of Planetariums and Star Projectors” exhibition.

Visiting the “Quest for the Moon” Exhibition

At the “Quest for the Moon” exhibition, lunar samples brought back by the Chang’e-5 mission took center stage. Organized around 10 guiding questions, the exhibition unfolds across three sections—“Exploring the Moon,” “Reaching for the Moon,” and “Walking on the Moon.” Moving from the macro to the micro and from the past to the future, it progressively unveils the mysteries of lunar soil, allowing visitors to touch the very texture of lunar science, beyond the poetic imagery of “raising a cup to invite the bright moon.”

Visiting the Observatory

At the 130 Observatory, a Zeiss 130 mm refracting telescope with a history spanning 70 years stood quietly in place as the observatory dome slowly rotated with a low mechanical hum, offering visitors an immersive experience of scientific craftsmanship. In the “Starlight Under the Dome” exhibition hall, eight themed sections trace a century-long journey, from the invention of the planetarium projector to the arrival of planetariums in China, telling the story of how humanity has used mechanical instruments to interpret the heavens and optical devices to bring the starry sky to life.

Visiting the Foucault Pendulum

The group then gathered in the Planetarium Theater to watch the 8K space documentary “Beyond the Window: The Blue Planet — A Space Journey.” The immersive visual experience transported audiences into the vastness of space, offering an astronaut’s view of the blue planet and allowing them to experience the power and romance of science and technology amid the stars.

“Filled with lofty aspirations, I long to soar into the sky and embrace the bright moon.” From the “China Women” carrier rocket soaring into the sky to visitors gazing at the stars inside the planetarium, this specially curated summer event by the Women’s Science Communication Service Base showcased the spirit of women working in science and technology in the new era—self-respect, self-confidence, self-reliance, and resilience. The BWAST will continue to harness the collective power of women, inspiring more women to reach new heights in science and technology and pursue their dreams.