OMSI Presents Science On a Sphere

Hours after its launch on December 7th, 1972, the Apollo 17 took what became one of the most widely publicized and famous images of the twentieth century. The iconic view of Earth as a “Blue Marble” floating in space revolutionized public perception of our fragile planet during the rising environmental consciousness of the early 1970s, highlighting a sense of vulnerability and shared responsibility.

A new permanent exhibit in OMSI’s Earth Science Hall, made possible through a partnership between OMSI and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), promises to reignite the excitement generated by the Blue Marble photographs.

Science On a Sphere (SOS) is a six-foot suspended globe that uses computers and video projectors to display dynamic animated images of the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, animal migration patterns, global warming trends, hurricane paths, and more. Projected images also include the surface of the sun, Mars, and moon. Pre-programmed data sets are organized through play lists, much like an MP3 player, but the system also has the capacity for live demonstrations and special programming options.

Funding for Science On a Sphere was provided by NOAA and is the first step in a long-term partnership between the agency and OMSI to provide education on the Earth’s oceans and atmospheres, the health of its ecosystems, and the effects of human impacts on these systems. “We are excited to be partnering with NOAA and are thankful for their generosity in providing OMSI with such a cutting-edge new exhibit,” said OMSI president Nancy Stueber. “Science On a Sphere provides opportunities for OMSI to engage and educate our visitors on important global issues in new and innovative ways for years to come.”

Science On a Sphere was invented by Dr. Alexander “Sandy” MacDonald, the director of the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, CO. The program was originally developed as a way of using new visualization techniques to examine environmental data. But in the course of that development, the project also demonstrated its potential as an exciting outreach opportunity. “It became quickly obvious,” according to the NOAA website, “that when combined with the narration and supporting educational material, a well-crafted visualization provides a unique and powerful teaching tool.”

In bringing Science On a Sphere to OMSI, the museum and NOAA share a common goal: to encourage stewardship and informed decision-making based on knowledge of natural resources, environmental issues, and human impacts. The striking presentation provides a clear means of visualizing these intricate systems and understanding their interdependence. At the same time, it connects us directly with those systems by its new and compelling look at our delicate and extraordinary planet.

Funding for this exhibit provided by NOAA Fisheries Service.