Earth and Space
June 15, 2007 - May 13, 2008
Technology has enabled us in the past 50 years to peer into outer space like never before, from rockets, moon landings and space stations to super telescopes and space shuttles. Conversely, spacecraft and satellites have allowed scientists to look back at Earth and see things in ways we could not have imagined before.
Earth and Space will feature spectacular images of space recorded with a variety of technologies from the Hubble Space Telescope to observatory scopes, from the international space station to shots from the space shuttle windows, in addition to historic telescopes, hands-on computer stations and more.
The idea is “how do we look at space and how do we look back at Earth?” says Curator of Science and Technology Tom Falvey. Museum guests will use new software at computer kiosks that will allow them new views of various heavenly bodies such as planets, comets and galaxies, and also let them examine their home planet with new eyes.
“For example, the exhibit will demonstrate how science studies such things as river systems and volcanos, and land use such as forest health and the effects of deforestation, using these technologies to view these natural features from space,” says Falvey. “It also will cover the weather, showing hurricane images and examing how we use satellites for predicting them, as well as other kinds of weather.”
In addition, kids will be able to look at the visible spectrum and experiment with colors to understand how scientists use light and other wavelengths to study earth and space, the curator says. “We study the temperatures of clouds above Earth—and other planetsusing infrared light. The exhibit will allow guests to experiment with light to understand these concepts. Plus, wearing colored glasses will alter what they see, filtering for certain colors of the spectrum to reveal or conceal features scientists want to study.”
Falvey hopes the public will gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and rarity of our planet. “We have this unique perspective on our planet and the universe because of the tools that are available. Part of the message is that with this enhanced appreciation we have for our home world, we need to redouble our efforts to take care of it.”