Christopher Lopez
Mechanical Engineering
A James Clark School of Engineering-Mechanical Engineering Program
College Park Scholars-Science and Global Change Program
These are some of the different pictures that I took on my trip to the Smithsonial Air and Space meuseam in Winter 2024. Many of the exhibits were closed but I did manage to find what I thought were some very cool items in the collections. In the top left is a model of one of mars rovers from the Exploring the Planets Exhbits. The top right is the Appolo 11 capsule that carried Neil Armstrong and the other astronauts to and from the mooon in 1969 which I thogout was so cool. Bottom Left is the Genini Capsule, one of the predessors of the Appllo capsule that fitst sent men to space. The bottom left is from the trip isself, the Capitol in the morning is quite beutiful.
Destination Moon
When I explored Destination Moon focused on various aspects of aerospace science and technology, including space travel and communication, rocketry, and life-sustaining systems. Some specific concepts and inventions highlighted were the iconic Apollo 11 capsule, the powerful F1 engines propelling the Saturn Five, and the innovative block 2 doors enhancing safety in the Apollo spacecraft. The exhibition primarily presented artifacts behind glass boxes, providing a clear view while maintaining a hands-off approach. Informative plaques accompanied the displays, offering insights into elements like the financial aspects of space capsules. Additionally, scale models of early spacecraft were prominently featured throughout the gallery. The exhibition seemed geared towards a higher education level, emphasizing textual information over interactive elements. While there were limited hands-on activities, an opportunity to discuss gravity at the entrance and interactive gloves added a dynamic touch. Regarding the effectiveness of interactive components, I found the section on space suits particularly engaging. The ability to touch different layers of gloves underscored the complexity and sophistication of the suits. However, overall, more interactive elements, such as a capsule mock-up for visitors to climb into, could enhance the exhibit's educational impact. One World Connected The gallery focuses on various aspects of science, particularly in the field of aerospace science and technology. It covers aeronautics, communication, atmosphere, and electronics. Specific examples include the Cray 2 supercomputer, which performed groundbreaking calculations, and communication technologies like undersea lines and satellites enabling international communication. Imagining and globalization are represented by devices like the dove imaging satellite. The exhibit effectively conveys this information through a central globe showcasing satellite orbits, artifacts with informative plaques, and interactive elements such as touch models and computer screens. The target audience appears to be diverse, possibly including smart elementary schoolers, as the interactive components engage and interest visitors of various ages. There were also many places where the interactive elements were placed lower it seamed than they otherwise would have been. The extensive use of interactive elements, like touch models and screens, contributes to the effectiveness of conveying information. It allows visitors to experience and understand the operation of various systems, making complex concepts more accessible, even to younger audiences. Overall, the exhibit succeeds in creating an engaging and informative experience for a broad audience. Exploring the PlanetsThe gallery provided an immersive exploration of various scientific fields, offering a detailed look at astronomy, robotics, and geology within the realm of aerospace science and technology. Specifically, the astronomy section delved into the study of asteroids and planets, with a focus on intriguing celestial bodies. The robotic aspect showcased notable exploratory robots like Sojourner, employed in planetary exploration missions. Geology was presented as a key component, aiding in understanding the diverse surfaces of planets.
Among the specific examples highlighted, the gallery featured iconic rovers such as Opportunity and Sojourner, capturing the attention of visitors with their groundbreaking missions. Images from each planet, including those captured by the Kepler satellite observing planets beyond our solar system, offered a visual feast. Noteworthy samples, such as comet dust collected using aerogel, provided a hands-on connection to the scientific processes.
The exhibition employed various means to convey information effectively. Many main exhibits were thoughtfully placed behind glass with detailed plaques, offering context and background information. Interactive touch exhibits allowed visitors to engage directly with the materials. Large video screens, especially the central massive one, played a crucial role in displaying dynamic content, keeping visitors of all ages captivated.
Designed to cater to a diverse audience, the exhibition successfully integrated interactive components, including models of planets and hands-on activities. The variety of screens, models, and tangible exhibits ensured that visitors, regardless of their educational background, could grasp the intricacies of aerospace science and technology. The overall interactive experience, encompassing everything from surface touch exhibits to the attention-grabbing main video screens, contributed to an engaging and educational visit for all.
Final Question The exhibit designers tackled the challenge of presenting astronomy, a constantly evolving field, with a focus on accessibility and the integration of updated information for visitors. One notable strategy involved the use of engaging videos to illustrate the vast scale of astronomical phenomena. These videos provided a visual journey, featuring tools like glass planes with scaled representations of exoplanets, making complex concepts tangible and offering insights into the enormity of celestial bodies. Additionally, the incorporation of numerous video screens throughout the exhibit played a crucial role in keeping information current. These screens likely featured dynamic content, enabling the swift dissemination of updated information and recent discoveries. This approach ensured that visitors were consistently exposed to the latest insights and findings in the field, fostering real-time engagement with the subject matter. By employing familiar elements and visual aids like videos and scaled representations, the exhibit designers aimed to bridge the gap between intricate astronomical concepts and the general public's understanding. This approach not only enhanced accessibility but also facilitated the seamless integration of the latest discoveries, maintaining the relevance of the exhibit in the ever-evolving field of astronomy.