November 2017: Blue Marble

For millennia, humans have stood on our planet, gazed outwards, and pondered the seemingly endless resources and vast diversity that cover our globe. This month, take a giant step forward to look back down at our planet. Heading out into Space to view Earth from this uniquely modern perspective, we are reminded that we live on a fragile blue marble alone in the vast darkness of our Universe – it’s all we have, and we’re in this together!

Visit during our public hours this month to view satellite imagery and interactive data in our immersive theaters, check out Earth science displays, and enjoy drop-in self-guided hands-on activities. Rekindle a deeper appreciation for our living breathing planet; it’s beautiful and fragile, and it is our home.

• Our Pale Blue Dot – Science on a Sphere: Imagine the sense of astonishment that, decades ago, occurred each time a ground-breaking image of Earth was returned from off-world. Humanity has always gazed upward to the stars. Now, in this SOS short film, we are able to look back with a new perspective and deeper appreciation for our planet. 
• NASA Eyes on the Earth – Immersion Theater: Explore this interactive NASA kiosk in our wrap-around theater to see how satellites monitor our planet’s vital signs.
• Water in the Anthropocene – Current Climate News Kiosk: Evidence is growing that humans’ global footprint is now so significant we have driven Earth into a new geological epoch — the Anthropocene. This data visualization charts the impact of humans on the planet.
• Blue Marble Mix-and-Match – Family Phenology Center: Our beautiful planet is shaped by the processes around us. As seen from Outer Space, Earth’s surface carries marks and scars caused by wind, water, fire, and extraterrestrial forces. See if you can match these NASA images with the category in which they belong!

We would like to thank ATC and DuPont for supporting our monthly exhibit themes. There is always something new to discover at ALNC!