Open today: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Sun, Earth, Universe

Focusing on Earth and space science

The Sun, Earth, Universe is an engaging and interactive exhibit about Earth and space science for family audiences. Visitors are encouraged to work collaboratively to solve scientific problems using their natural curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Audiences of all ages will explore space subjects, design and build model spacecraft, and think critically as they examine data from Earth and beyond.


Design-Build-Test

Visitors learn the engineering process when they design, build, and test their own spacecraft using colorful foam pieces and plastic rods.


Use Tools to See the Invisible

Visitors use an infrared camera, an ultraviolet light, a magnifying glass, and a magnetic field detector to reveal images that are invisible to the naked eye and see how spacecraft equipped with similar tools allow scientists to better understand objects in our solar system and beyond.


Large Earth and Space Graphic Panels

Every mission starts with a question. Four large graphics and simple interactive experiences introduce some of the compelling questions NASA scientists continually explore. The subjects covered include how humans have changed Earth, the dynamic nature of the Sun, the surface of Venus, and images from the Hubble Space Telescope.


Mars Landscape Play Table

Designed specifically for toddlers, the top of this small play table is an image of the surface of Mars taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity toy rovers and a Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft block encourage imaginative play.


Build a Human Habitat on Mars

Wanted: explorers and creative thinkers who can survive, thrive, and Build a Human Habitat on Mars! Using Strictly Briks, visitors design and construct their own imaginary habitat for successful living and work on Mars.