Muncie, IN – Far beyond the atmosphere of Earth, at orbits ranging from 290 to over 22,000 miles above sea level, circle the satellites of the Earth Observing System (EOS), NASA's primary satellite mission. Eyes On Earth, a new exhibit at Minnetrista will open January 30 and reveal the science behind what these missions tell us about the Earth.
Developed by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), and funded by NASA, Eyes On Earth is a highly interactive exhibit that examines satellites, how satellite observations are made and what NASA and other scientists learn using this space technology.
NASA's Earth Observing System is comprised of a small but powerfully revealing group of human-made scientific observers that are constantly scanning our planet. EOS instruments track weather, monitor pollution, create maps and gather information that helps scientists predict storms, monitor forest fires and study holes in the ozone layer.
In a series of hands-on stations, Eyes On Earth explores the basics of satellites, orbits, and some of the details of satellite technology. As visitors explore the exhibit, they can collect crayon rubbings of images representing each of the EOS missions highlighted in Eyes On Earth.
The Design a Satellite station provides an introduction to the basics of what makes up a satellite, the different types of satellites orbiting Earth, the components of a satellite and their functions. With this information, visitors can then build their own working satellite and customize it to perform tasks of their choice. At a video station called Mission Kiosk, visitors get a look at the various NASA EOS missions currently studying the ozone layer, weather, urban growth and environmental change.
To explain orbits, Eyes On Earth features an Orbit Table, where marble "satellites" are launched into "space." Visitors choose launchers with different trajectories to observe circular and elliptical orbits. At What Goes Around/Near Satellite, visitors can send a satellite spinning around a phosphorescent painted Earth. As it orbits, the surface of the globe lights up, leaving a glowing trail that mirrors its path, allowing visitors to track the path and watch how the combination of Earth's rotation and the satellite's orbit allows scientists to observe and scan the entire surface of our planet in just one day.
Cutting-edge technology used by the EOS satellite system is explained in a collection of stations. These include the TOPEX/Jason-1 Radar Altimeter station, where visitors discover how scientists gather data to map oceans and ocean temperatures, which helps them to understand how oceans affect the weather. The ozone layer, its importance to Earth, how scientists measure it, and why it is important to do so is explained in Ozone Zone. At Earth Today, NASA software connects visitors directly to the Internet, where they can monitor current EOS missions.
"The goal of Eyes On Earth is to show the holistic exploration of Earth being conducted from the vantage point of space, and how the information gleaned from NASA missions helps us to learn more about how natural processes affect us, and how we might be affecting them," said OMSI Vice President of Exhibits Ray Vandiver.
Eyes On Earth runs through May 5. Minnetrista admission is $5 each for non-members. Kids three and under and members are admitted free. For more information, visit www.minnetrista.net or call (765) 282-4848.
