Earth display returns to Tokyo museum after renovation

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Geo-Cosmos is on display at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Koto Ward, Tokyo.

Geo-Cosmos, a large sphere representing Earth, is back on display at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Koto Ward, Tokyo, after undergoing an overhaul for the first time in 11 years.

Images of the Earth taken by satellites are projected on the surface of the museum’s iconic exhibit, which is about 6 meters in diameter. It has been overhauled twice so far.

A system of about 10,000 LED panels was installed during the six-month renovation of the globe. As a result, the display has gained double the brightness, making it possible to project images smoothly and quickly, according to the museum.

“Now it can offer a more realistic vision of the Earth,” as seen from space, said museum communications official Makoto Seguchi. “I hope it will make people feel that all life exists on the same planet.”