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The Hong Kong Space Museum has launched a free mobile application, "Star Hoppers", which integrates the Chinese and Western star charts with information on astronomical events and related activities. With the help of its audio recordings and other features, users can identify celestial objects and constellations anytime and anywhere through their mobile phones or tablets and listen to the stories of the constellations.
The "Star Hoppers" app helps users to learn about and identify celestial objects and constellations with a real-time digital star chart at any location in the world. It employs augmented reality technology to label celestial objects and constellations on the screen instantly when a user points the camera of a mobile device towards the sky.
The app plays back more than 200 bilingual audio recordings of basic information on celestial objects and asterisms in Western and ancient Chinese cultures. Its unique ancient Chinese star chart displays the complete ancient Chinese asterism system including the Three Enclosures and the Twenty-eight Mansions. After tapping on any constellation or planet, the Sun, the Moon, the Three Enclosures or the Twenty-eight Mansions, users can listen to recorded stories of the constellations or celestial objects.
Furthermore, "Star Hoppers" provides beginners with information on the basics and proper methods of stargazing. Users may also select the Calendar function to receive the latest information on astronomical events and activities provided by the Hong Kong Space Museum, and they can also invite their friends to join the activities and share the fun of stargazing.
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Users may visit the App Store at itunes.apple.com/us/app/xing-ye-xing/id865064592?ls=1&mt=8 or Google Play at play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.hkspm.android.hk or scan the attached QR codes to download the app for free. For details, please visit the museum's website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/StarShine/Calendar/e_calendar.htm.
Ends/Friday, September 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:08
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