Hong Kong Observatory Open Day 2023 were held on 25th and 26 March, adopting the theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day, “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations”. Apart from celebrating the Observatory’s 140th anniversary, they provided the public with a better understanding of the Observatory’s work and its developments over the years. The public response was overwhelming, with over ten thousand admission tickets distributed.
The Open Day featured various games and exhibitions, as well as live demonstrations of weather reporting by TV weather presenters. Visitors gained a better understanding of the Observatory’s services and various weather warnings and signals. Mr Chan Pak-wai, Director of the Observatory, and the Observatory’s Mascot, “Dr Tin”, interacted with visitors, including by having photos taken with them.
The Observatory also invited uniformed groups and communities from different sectors to the open day, and staff gave talks on careers at the Observatory and the impact of climate change for participants of the “Strive and Rise Programme” organised by the Social Welfare Department. These talks aimed to boost public awareness of climate change and enable them to better understand the Observatory’s work.
Observatory staff were supported by over 60 volunteers from “Friends of the Observatory”, who acted as goodwill ambassadors to greet visitors, contributing to the smooth operation of the two-day event.
Subsequently, the Observatory launched the “Hong Kong Observatory Open Day 2023” webpage. Through this, members of the public may take a virtual tour of the Observatory Headquarters from the comfort of home, to learn about the work and services of the Observatory.
Highlights of Hong Kong Observatory Open Day 2023
Kids enjoying having a photo taken with weather warning props
Visitors experiencing how to present a weather report
Civil Aid Service Cadet Corps at the Open Day
Participants of the “Strive and Rise Programme” attending a talk on climate change
Behind the scenes at the Open Day, with the many Observatory staff and “Friends of the Observatory” volunteers who ensured the Open Day were a success
