Hong Kong Observatory opens to public
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    The Hong Kong Observatory will be open to the public on March 18 and 19.

     Every year in March, the observatory organises an open day to celebrate World Meteorological Day which falls on March 23. This year, the theme of World Meteorological Day is "Preventing and Mitigating Natural Disasters".  

     A special exhibition explaining the work of the Hong Kong Observatory will be staged for visitors. One of the attractions is a mock-up of the Forecasting Office in which weather forecasters will explain in person how weather forecasts are made. Another attraction is a special exhibit where visitors can pose as a TV weather presenter.

     Nature lovers can also explore the special ecological environment of this "oasis" amid the city's concrete jungle.

     Admission to the observatory will be from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days with the exhibition closing at 5.15pm.

     Everyone is welcome. The observatory is located at 134A Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Entrance is at the main gate in Nathan Road near Tsim Sha Tsui Kai Fong Welfare Association. The exit is in Observatory Road. There is no access to the observatory from Observatory Road.

     Admission is free, but entry will be regulated if necessary. Visitors might need to queue for a considerable time.

Ends/Thursday, March 16, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:01

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