Akatsuki was launched on May 21, 2010 for the purpose of studying Venus and answering various questions about the mysterious planet. However, the orbit insertion maneuver failed due to an engine malfunction. After 5 years of extensive planning, a second attempt was made using the remaining small attitude control engines. The maneuver succeeded, and the spacecraft is preparing to begin observation operations. Join us to learn about Akatsuki's miraculous comeback and its important mission!

An eruption occurred at Nishinoshima in November 2013. Over 400 million tons of lava flowed out, causing the island's surface area to become approximately 12 times larger. While volcanic activity has since decreased, researchers' interest in the volcanic rocks has increased. This is because the rocks' components are similar to that of continental rock rather than rocks found in the sea. Some say that the "egg of a continent" is being formed here. What does this mean? Join us to find out!

Experts believe that clouds have a greater effect on the climate than greenhouse gases. Of particular interest is a new cloud type that lasts for a long time. They are caused by an increase in aerosols, which are tiny particles suspended in the air that assist cloud formation. We'll learn more about this new cloud type, and also introduce the Meteorological Research Institute's cloud simulation chamber, which is being used in their research, and is the first of its kind in the world.