Minato Science Museum Original Planetarium Film Premieres July 18: "Space★Grand Adventure! The Journey of the Voyager Planetary Probe"

The Minato Science Museum (Location: Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Director: Naoto Fuse; hereinafter referred to as Minato Science Museum) will begin screening its original planetarium program, "Space★Grand Adventure! The Journey of the Voyager Planetary Probe," starting July 18, 2026 (Sat).

Launched in 1977, the Voyager 1 probe will reach a distance of approximately 26 billion kilometers from Earth in November 2026, marking the significant milestone of "1 light-day8." For nearly half a century, Voyager has been at the forefront of human knowledge, continuing its journey beyond the solar system. In recognition of this great endeavor, Minato Science Museum planned and produced this film with the hope that many people will experience the allure of space exploration, the vastness of the universe, and the irreplaceability of our home planet, Earth.

Voyager 1 and 2 are travelers continuing their journey far from Earth into deep space. Voyager visited Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, revealing previously unknown aspects of these planets and their moons. It has now become the first human-made probe to reach interstellar space, traveling beyond the solar system.

In this program, you can experience a grand tour of the solar system alongside Voyager through powerful visuals that fill the dome. The film recreates the cosmic scenery Voyager witnessed, including Jupiter's Great Red Spot, Saturn's beautiful rings, and the mysterious worlds of Uranus and Neptune, tracing its many discoveries. It also introduces the "gravity assist" technique used to accelerate probes and Voyager's current journey towards the stars.

Attention is also drawn to the "Pale Blue Dot," a photograph of Earth taken by Voyager from 6.4 billion kilometers away, and the Golden Record containing Earth's music and languages. Amidst the vastness of space, the film offers an opportunity to reflect on how precious our Earth is and to contemplate the future.

This program, enjoyable for a wide audience from elementary school students to adults, introduces the magnificent journey of space exploration pioneered by Voyager and the wonders of the universe beyond, while fostering a deeper interest in space exploration. (※) The distance light travels in one day at approximately 300,000 kilometers per second (approximately 26 billion kilometers).

Visuals for "Space★Grand Adventure! The Journey of the Voyager Planetary Probe"

A Grand Adventure Through the Solar System with Voyager – Perfect for Summer Vacation Research Projects!

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 will reach a distance of approximately 26 billion kilometers from Earth in November 2026. This is a distance that takes about one day to cover even at the speed of light, equivalent to "1 light-day."

Voyager explored Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, revealing previously unknown aspects of these planets and their moons. It has now left the solar system and is navigating "interstellar space" between the stars.

This program traces Voyager's journey, showcasing the colossal storms of Jupiter, Saturn's stunning rings, and the mysterious worlds of Uranus and Neptune with dynamic visuals. It also clearly explains the scientific technologies supporting space exploration, such as "gravity assist," which uses planetary gravity for acceleration.

With content that makes learning about the history of space exploration and the planets of the solar system fun, it is also recommended as a theme for summer vacation research projects and inquiry-based learning.

Gazing at Our Irreplaceable Earth from Deep Space

"Pale Blue Dot," taken by Voyager 1, is a view of Earth from 6.4 billion kilometers away. In the photograph, Earth appears as merely a tiny point of light floating in the vast expanse of the universe. Yet, upon this small point rests our lives, our history, and the activities of diverse life forms.

Furthermore, Voyager carries the "Golden Record," which contains sounds and images of Earth's music, languages, and natural sounds. This serves as a message from humanity to potential intelligent life forms that may exist in the distant future or elsewhere in the universe.

Through Voyager's continuous journey towards the edge of the universe, the film allows viewers to feel the immensity of space while also contemplating the importance and special nature of our home planet, Earth.

Voyager's crossing of the heliosphere's outer boundary Voyager approaching Jupiter Voyager approaching Jupiter Saturn's rings revealed by Voyager observations Icy volcanic activity on Neptune's moon Triton

Voyager approaching Uranus Orbit of Voyager 1 and 2 The Golden Record aboard Voyager, containing sounds and images conveying Earth's life and culture.

Live Stargazing Commentary by Staff

Before the main film, a staff member will provide a live commentary on the night sky of the day. This approximately 15-minute segment will cover seasonal constellations, astronomical phenomena, and the latest news in space exploration. Touching upon the planets featured in the program and the worlds of the solar system visited by Voyager, it aims to further broaden your interest in space. As the content changes daily, this popular segment can be enjoyed multiple times.

Admission Fees

(Per screening for general audience): Adults ¥600 / Elementary, Junior High, High School Students ¥100 (Admission to the museum is free).

※ The following individuals are eligible for free admission. A free viewing ticket will be issued at the 1st-floor museum reception.

Preschool children, Minato ward residents aged 65 and over, persons with disabilities residing in Minato ward and their caregiver (one person only).

Screening Schedule for this Program: Please visit the Minato Science Museum official website.

"Space★Grand Adventure! The Journey of the Voyager Planetary Probe" Program Overview

・Production: Tokyu Community Corp., Goto Optical Co., Ltd.

・Planning & Production: Minato Science Museum

・Supervision: Haruo Saji

Doctor of Science (Theoretical Physics), Honorary Director of the Misa Observatory

Author of books for the general public and children on themes such as cosmology, physics, and the theory of time.

・Screening Period: July 18, 2026 (Sat) - March 31, 2027 (Wed) (scheduled)

English Language Screening

SPACE★GRAND ADVENTURE! – The Journey of the Voyager Planetary Probe – (English version)

An English version of this program will also be screened, allowing foreign visitors to enjoy it.

Live stargazing commentary by staff will also be conducted in English.

※ No live commentary or subtitles in Japanese.

Screening Dates & Times: July 25, 2026 (Sat), August 22, 2026 (Sat), September 26, 2026 (Sat) 13:30-14:10

Minato Science Museum Overview

Location: 3-6-9 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 9:00-20:00 (Last planetarium screening starts at 19:00, last admission at 19:30)

Closed: Second Monday of each month (or the following day if it falls on a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3) *Temporary closures may occur. Admission Fee: Free Museum admission is free. Planetarium is paid. General screening (per screening): Adults ¥600 / Elementary, Junior High, High School Students ¥100

Minato Science Museum Official Website: https://minato-kagaku.tokyo/

Official X (formerly Twitter): @minato_kagaku Official LINE: @minato-science

Official YouTube: @user-qe9tu7fh1f

【Contact】

Minato Science Museum Public Relations

Phone: 03-6381-5041 (9:00-20:00) FAX: 03-3578-3719

e-mail: [email protected]