Exhibit Hall – Level 4
Our Planet, Our Solar System offers a flurry of interactive experiences through which guests can experience weather and earth science. Shake things up in an earthquake simulator and find out what it feels like inside of a cloud!
WFTV 9 Severe Weather Center
Become a meteorologist for the day and show “those guys” on TV how it’s really done! This experience is a working replica of the actual set used on WFTV’s weather forecasts. Learn how to put a weather forecast together using the same tools a meteorologist, then you can practice delivering it in front of a green screen – putting you right in the action as WFTV’s newest chief meteorologist!
Science on a Sphere
Learn about Earth and space science through a dynamic visual presentation using a six-foot suspended sphere and state-of-the-art projection technology. Explore our planet’s dynamic landscape and weather, tour the solar system and understand the complex relationship between our planet and its sister worlds.
Check out the Building Guide to see a map and information for our current exhibits.
New Experiences!
Solar System Exploration Timeline Wall
This 10 ft high, 20 ft long wall highlights major milestones in space exploration starting with the launch of Sputnik in 1957 all the way to the current Artemis Program, which is returning humans to the Moon (including the first woman and first person of color).
Lunar Lander
Practice safely landing a spacecraft on the moon by balancing gravity, thrust, and fuel consumption.
Rocket Builder
Build and then blast off in your very own rocket! Select from components such as engines, fuel tanks, and payloads, all while learning how gravity, wind-resistance, and orbital dynamics affect your design.
Stellar Playground
Through exploration and play, visitors can combine and create massive stars and observe the process of stellar evolution by creating white dwarfs, neutron stars, and even black holes.
Explore Mars
Soar the skies of Mars piloting the Ingenuity helicopter to gather geological data and plot a safe path for the Perseverance rover to explore Mars.
Blast From the Past: The Early Days of Space Travel
The artifacts in this display represent a collection of early space exploration and travel spanning the 1950’s, 1960’s and early 1970’s. Some of these item’s pre-date humans’ first flight into space.
