Discover Extreme Environments on Earth in Life on the Edge / Vida al límite

Media Contact: Brea Cunningham, Associate Director of Communications
E-mail: bcunningham@minnetrista.net
Telephone: 765.287.3525

January 27, 2024

Muncie, IN—Experience "Life on the Edge," an exhibition that delves into extreme environments on Earth while broadening our understanding of the potential for life within our Solar System and the cosmos beyond. Step into a world where life thrives in unexpected places, from vibrant microbial communities to the barren landscapes of Mars analogs. Through engaging displays and interactive exhibits, visitors will uncover the hidden wonders of our universe, from the microscopic to the celestial. Join us on a journey of exploration as we unveil the mysteries of life, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered.

Exhibition highlights include:

Hidden in Plain Sight: Understand how microbes contribute to nutrient cycling by using a movable video microscope to investigate a bacterial colony in a Winogradsky column and discover that the world is teeming with life that is often hidden in plain sight.
Discovering Biosignatures: Code a rover to simulate planning routes across the Atacama Desert, scanning for signs of life like scientists did for the Perseverance mission.
Light Reveals: Discover how scientists utilize the transit method to study exoplanets by setting a kinetic model of a solar system into motion and watching while a digital display shows dips of light as exoplanets pass in front of the light source.
Adapted For Extremes: Discover the diversity of creatures living in the deep sea and how they survive while exploring realistic models of hydrothermal vent communities with detailed replicas of black and white smoker vents.

Join us on this eye-opening adventure to expand your understanding of life's possibilities, from our own planet to the farthest reaches of our universe! This exhibition is bilingual, with displays in English and Spanish. Life on the Edge is currently open and will be on display through Sunday, April 14, 2024.

For more information, visit minnetrista.net or call 765.282.4848. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information on our exhibits and events.

Life on the Edge is produced by Sciencenter in partnership with Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility, and the exhibition is made possible by the generous support of NASA under award # NNX16AM22G. The exhibition is owned and toured by Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY

Minnetrista is your year-round gathering place! Born out of the Ball family legacy, the home of the Ball jar, Minnetrista connects people, encourages engagement, and improves our community. There is always something new to discover at Minnetrista. From beautiful gardens, unique events, interactive exhibits, and engaging workshops, every adventure is unique and fun. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.

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