"Our Place in the Universe: An Exhibition on Space, Flight, and Beyond" Fact Sheet

Synopsis: Science CAN happen in your own backyard. Space is the Earth's backyard. Flight, space exploration, and astronomy are the main focus of this exhibit hall. Guests are introduces to the planet Earth and its place in the solar system. They learn about technological advances in aviation and the different modes of leaving this planet. A holistic view of the universe presents the knowledge that science has provided thus far.

Size: 5,000 square feet

Icon: A 10-foot diameter Earth globe. One side is painted to look like the western hemisphere from space in daylight. The eastern hemisphere is a night view showing city lights, gas field fires, fishing fleet floodlights, as well as aurora.

Location: Third floor

Number of hands-on components: 54

Highlights:

• Flight School setting in a quonset hut serves as the backdrop for principles of flight. The story of powered flight, from the Wright brothers up to Tony Janus, is told using video, a hot air balloon, a Bernoulli blower, and a wind tunnel. Actual NASA mission announcements and updates are featured on a moving message board.
• Space Station L1 serves as a focal point for programs about living and working in space. Guests may plan a mission to Mars using a touch-screen monitor.
• A mural based on Viking landscape photos recreates a Martian scene of the far future. Reddish lighting distinguishes this area from the rest of the exhibition.
• Flight simulator that holds 15 people for a 5 minute motion-simulated flight.