Space was not designed for human habitation. In fact, the universe wants to kill you and will do so in a variety of ways if you give it the chance. Somehow, that does not deter us from yearning to float in its expanse and discover all the soft and dangerous facets of our ever changing, growing universe.
Neil Armstrong's gloves
Open through September 7th, Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience gives visitors a window into what it’s like to not only live in space but how scientists solve problems inherent in low-orbit residence. How will the astronauts eat? How can they perform necessary experiments? How will long term weightlessness affect their bodies? With all the risks, how can we keep our astronauts alive? Necessary to solve for long term missions, many questions scientists are working on now are revealed in this exhibit.
The Science Museum and exhibit designers understand the effectiveness of hands on demonstrations and this exhibit is packed with them. Everyone knows the weight of a jar of peanut butter. But on Mars? Jupiter? How does that same jar of deliciousness compare? Perform a simulated countdown using a water rocket. Or experience the disorientation felt by many astronauts in their first days of space at the Space Station Destiny Lab. As the lab rotates around you, take note of the detailed functionality of the display. Sharpies everywhere. A mini first aid kit. Velcro upon velcro upon velcro. Velcro, the unofficial sponsor of zero gravity enthusiasts.
We know we can get there but historically, the journey has had its complications. Exhibit visitors will learn how the scientists continue to improve space flight, communications, and life aboard the mini space island so we can get to our destinations safely, more efficiently, and ready to take on all the universe can throw at us.
Want to learn more? Tickets are on sale through September 7th. For the 21+ crowd, the Science Museum hosts Social Science: Superhero Science on Thursday, August 6th from 6:00 to 11 :00 p.m. To learn more about Social Science events, click here.
If this topic had your little grey cells energized, we suggest you follow Astronaut Scott Kelly on his year long mission in space. His journey will help scientists determine the long term effects of weightlessness on the human body and whether we can create ways to combat the effects on the mission to mars. #YearInSpace #MissionToMarsIsActuallyHappening