One World Connected, Destination Moon, and Exploring the Planets
February 23rd, 2025
Interactive Globe Describing Air Travel
Exhibit 1: One World Connected
The One World Connected exhibit documents the ways in which technological advancements have made our world more connected. Breakthroughs in radio wave technology, innovations in aeronautical engineering, and technological improvements to previously existing systems led to smarter and easier communication and travel. The invention of the GPS, utilization of satellites to track natural data, and creation of larger and faster airplanes are discussed in this exhibit. Information is portrayed using a variety of images and texts, as well as many artifacts and models. Said information could easily be understood by all education levels, as it is easy to follow and understand. There may be a slight skew to older age groups, as there are some texts and graphics that use some technical vocabulary that not all ages would understand. The use of interactive components was another major way information was conveyed. The center of the hall includes a massive globe that outlines the pathways of air traffic over the course of the year. This is helpful in demonstrating the ways in which scientists understand air travel and how it may affect the environment. In general, One World Connected is a highly informative exhibit that teaches its audience about how aerospace technology has made it easier for people to connect with each other, all over the world.
Neil Armstrong's Space Suit
Exhibit 2: Destination Moon
The Destination Moon exhibit is all about the journey to the Moon. Nearly all elements of STEM are involved in the exploration of space and the trip to the Moon. Aerospace engineers build the rockets and spacecraft that take man to the moon. While on the Moon, a variety of tests were performed to learn more about the Moon’s environment, meaning planetary science, geology, and chemistry are involved. Chemists and biologists put a lot of work into ensuring that astronauts are able to breathe and survive in their space suits while on the Moon’s surface. The museum documents the entire history of space exploration, with the ultimate goal being a man walking on the Moon. Innovations in rockets, spacecraft, computer calculations, and understanding of outer space led to the historic milestones, such as the first man in space or the first orbit of the Moon. Information is displayed with many artifacts and models, texts, graphics, and videos. The information is accessible to any education level, with images and models to easily portray the innovations. There are a few interactive components in this hall, including a touch screen where one could easily magnify and rotate a 3D computer model of the spacecraft. This is very helpful in understanding the different components and why these design choices were made. Destination Moon documents the history and triumph of lunar exploration, inspiring the next generation of astronauts, scientists, and engineers in the process.
NASA JPL's Curiosity Mars Rover
Exhibit 3: Exploring the Planets
The Exploring the Planets exhibit is a comprehensive guide to the solar system and the technology involved in its exploration. Efforts in engineering, planetary science, and geology are presented in this hall. Engineering helped create satellites and telescopes involved with the discovery of planets, moons, dwarf planets, and more. Planetary science and geology are involved with sampling soil on other worlds and learning from it. This exhibit teaches its audience about the discovery of celestial bodies, the orbit of these bodies, and landing on these bodies, most notably with Mars. The landing of rovers on Mars to test the soil, the atmosphere, and take photographs has helped scientists understand more about the Earth, the origin of the solar system, and the possibility of the existence of extraterrestrial life. The hall utilizes large models of the planets themselves and technologies, including rovers, satellites, and more. There is also a plethora of images, graphics, and texts to go along with these large models. There are a few interactive components in this exhibit, including panels for each celestial body, where one can learn about the atmosphere of said body. There is also a table run by an employee that allows visitors to learn about spectroscopy and use special lenses to try to identify certain elements. The interactive components were helpful in adding supplemental information and details that, although are not necessary, boost one’s understanding of the planets. Exploring the Planets provides a plethora of visual information regarding the solar system and the technology used to explore it.
Myself at the Museum's Entrance
Looking to the Future
The large majority of the museum involves astronomical concepts. This includes planets, moons, asteroids, and more. The museum makes the information updated by including texts and graphics regarding future space exploration missions, including the NASA Artemis missions and the future Mars exploration missions. There are also components involved with demonstrating how aerospace technology, specifically with satellites and drones, can be used to better understand climate change and therefore how we can prevent further damage from occurring. The field of aerospace technology is always looking towards the future and the museum does a great job of inspiring the next generation of scientists to participate in future missions.