Feature by Camy Tam
An exhibition entitled “Unseen Oceans”, produced and designed by the New York-based American Museum of Natural History, is being held at the Macau Science Centre (MSC). The event is supported by the public Macau Foundation (FM).
According to a recent statement by the centre, the exhibition shows, among other things, “mysterious” sea creatures.
It comprises nine exhibition areas: Fantastic Drifters, Mysterious Creatures, Encountering Giant Creatures, Deep End of the Ocean, Invisible Boundary, Rich Ocean, and Evolution of the Mirror Sea (Macau’s coastal waters).
According to the statement, the exhibition visitors can learn about the latest marine research methods and discoveries through interactive and multimedia exhibits, and virtually explore the “deep mysteries” of the world’s five oceans with the help of advanced mechanical and satellite technologies such as simulated fluorescent marine biological models.
According to the statement, the Encountering Giant Creatures area is equipped with a 180-degree surround projection system to present the original appearance of rare marine creatures such as blue whales, giant squid and manta rays in animation, allowing spectators to admire the colourful schools of fish shuttling around in the “wonderful” underwater world.
The statement pointed out that children can act as marine scientists, using microscopes to observe marine microorganisms or simulate driving a submersible between submarine ridges, discovering hidden creatures along the way and experiencing the excitement and fun of deep-sea exploration through a variety of virtual interactive experiences.
A special exhibition area themed “Evolution of the Mirror Sea” has been arranged to introduce visitors to the development of Macau’s coastal waters and the fishing industry. Visitors can peer into the changes in the sea areas and routes around Macau as well as the development of the local fishing sector. Moreover, underwater robots developed by local students and knowledge about large-scale natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis are presented, according to information on the centre’s website.
One of Macau’s ancient names is “Oyster Mirror Bay” (“Hou Keng Ou” in Cantonese).
The exhibition is on until September 26 on Mondays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Thursdays at the Atrium and Gallery 2 of the MSC’s exhibition centre in Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.
For enquiries call 2888 0822 during office hours or visit http://www.msc.org.mo/UnseenOcean/en/index.html.
As part of the government’s COVID-19 epidemic prevention measures, all visitors entering the centre must wear a facemask, have their temperature checked and present a digital health code.
Photos: Camy Tam
