Technology has enabled mankind in the past 50 years to peer into outer space like never before, from rockets, moon landings and space stations to super telescopes and space shuttles and probes.
Conversely, spacecraft and satellites have allowed scientists to look back at Earth and see things in ways we could not have imagined before.
Images of space and of Earth will combine with computer programs and more to elicit wonder from museum guests in the South Carolina State Museum's upcoming exhibit Earth and Space.
Opening June 15, Earth and Space will feature spectacular images of space recorded with a variety of technologies from the Hubble Space Telescope to observatory scopes, from the international space station to shots from the space shuttle windows, in addition to historic telescopes, hands-on computer stations and more.
The idea is "how do we look at space and how do we look back at Earth?" says Curator of Science and Technology Tom Falvey. Museum guests will use new software at computer kiosks that will allow them new views of various heavenly bodies such as planets, comets and galaxies, and also let them examine their home planet with new eyes.
"For example, the exhibit will demonstrate how science studies such things as river systems and volcanoes, and land use such as forest health and the effects of deforestation, using these technologies to view these natural features from space" says Falvey. "It also will cover the weather, showing hurricane images and examining how we use satellites for predicting them, as well as other kinds of weather."
In addition, kids will be able to look at the visible spectrum and experiment with colors to understand how scientists use light of various wavelengths to study Earth and space, the curator says. "We study the temperatures of clouds above Earth -- and other planets --using infrared light. The exhibit will allow guests to experiment with light to understand these concepts. Plus, wearing colored glasses will alter what they see, filtering for certain colors of the spectrum to reveal or conceal features scientists want to study."
Plus, Earth and Space will have a "Google Earth" feature to allow guests to see any spot on the planet seen by satellites. "These technologies are amazing," adds Falvey. "We can see things from our desks that we'd never have imagined before."
Falvey hopes the public will gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and rarity of our planet. "We have this unique perspective on our planet and the universe because of the tools that are available. Part of the message is that with this enhanced appreciation we have for our home world, we need to redouble our efforts to take care of it."
Earth and Space can be seen in the State Museum's fourth-floor Recent Acquisitions Gallery through May 13, 2008.
Technology has enabled scientists to capture spectacular views of space phenomena such as galaxies, as well as to examine features of Earth, such as hurricanes, like never before. Breathtaking photographs and hands-on discovery features are included in the South Carolina State Museum's new exhibit Earth and Space, which opens June 15 in Columbia.
Photos courtesy S.C. State Museum.