THE Yanhan Hill Observatory of Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Middle School (OCT Middle School) in Nanshan District has officially been opened for student use, according to Shenzhen Economic Daily.

Speaking as to why a middle school needs to build an observatory, Cai Shunan, principal of the OCT Middle School, said that astronomy combines the knowledge of mathematics, physics, geography, etc. Besides, the designs and experiments that students experience during their observations could raise their hands-on abilities.

In September last year, Ma Xiaojiao, a graduate with a master’s degree from the Department of Astronomy of Beijing Normal University and a new teacher for OCT Middle School, was appointed to organize an astronomical society.

According to Ma, the current 36 members of the Yanhan Astronomical Society will not only take part in normal activities, but also actively prepare for astronomy knowledge contests held by the city and Guangdong Province.

“Students can observe the universe visually at the observatory,” Ma said. When students see starry sky in the dome theater at the observatory, they cannot resist the temptation of the beautiful universe.

The astronomical telescope equipped in the Yanhan Hill Observatory is a reflector telescope. At daytime, students can observe the sun through direct viewing using the telescope and by projection of the unfiltered image onto a screen. At night, they can observe the moon, fixed stars and nebula or do some astronomical photography.

The school has also contributed to a teaching book. The book “Mystery of the Universe” has been completed so now the school can use it to set up featured lessons about astronomy.

“I was fascinated by the beautiful views and interesting facts about astronomy after joining the society and taking several lessons. I want to be an astronomer when I grow up.” Zheng Ruizhe, a grade 8 student, said. 

(Chen Siqi)