The other day, when I went to San Francisco to watch the Air Show, I took some time off and hopped on to the Hop-On Hop-Off San Francisco tour bus to see the history and culture of San Francisco. On the way to the Golden gate bridge, the bus stopped at the Golden Gate park. Thats when I remembered one of my friend's suggestion .. "If you are going to San Francisco, dont miss the California Academy of Sciences".. So I decided to check out the place..
As I entered the science museum after paying an entrance fee of $35, I was impressed by the architecture of the place. Its the only place on the planet where we can explore an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum under one living roof!
First the planetarium!
I decided to check the planetarium show first. The planetarium show named "Earthquake" delved into the science behind earthquakes and plate tectonics and showed how they shape the landscape in which life evolved. You are given a walkthrough through the model of the Earth, experience simulated earthquakes and learn how to prepare for future seismic events. There are certain footages from the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 in the show. Overall a nice and enthralling experience. Also the host gave some live news of the earthquakes that were happening on that day.. And would you believe it.. there were more than 130 minor and major earthquakes happening around the globe on that day.. Yikeess!
Asteroid show:
While the upper part of the planetarium was used for the Earthquake show, the lower portion was used for the Asteroid show.. well more like an asteroid class. The host explained on what asteroids were, their orbits and how they impact our life on earth. After watching the "Earthquake" show, I was a bit letdown by this class. It suited the kids much more than adults..
Next the Steinhart Aquarium:
We are taken into a living rainforest amidst free-flying birds and butterflies. There were 2000 odd reel fish darting through a technicolor forest of coral, watch the remarkable camouflage of the leafy seadragon and saw many other animals from around the world. My favourite was the huge anaconda!
Hey, dont miss Claude, the white albino aligator at the Swamp..
Living Roof!
Its a 2.5 acre expanse of native California plants that provide superior insulation, prevents storm water runoff, reduce urban heat island effect and create a new habitat for bees, butterflies and other local wildlife. Be careful... there is a very high security for the butterflies out there.. All your pockets are checked for butterflies when you come out :-) literally..
Nightlife:
I also came to know that on every Thursday between 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM the Academy is open for visitors, wherein you can do star-gazing on the living roof while enjoying music, science , cocktails and entertainment.. Well, what more do you want!!
By then, it was time for me to go. I got a quick bite from "The Academy Cafe" and bought a couple of souvenirs from the "Academy store" hoping to come back again.. Yes, you guessed it right.. On a Thursday evening !!
Location: Golden Bridge Park, San Francisco
Timings :
Monday to Saturday 9.30 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM
Thursday Nightlife : 6.00 PM - 10 PM
Entrance : $35
Website : https://www.calacademy.org
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