By exposing people to the wondrousness of the cosmos, it is their goal to encourage people to have curious minds and to keep those minds engaged.
Clark Planetarium has been Salt Lake’s go-to location for people of all ages who have wanted to learn about space and science for more than half a century, and it continues to be that destination today.
Education
The Clark Planetarium aims to expose people to the wondrousness of the cosmos to encourage people to have curious minds and engage those minds.
They can do this by delivering their programs in a dynamic and engaging manner. Through the Clark Planetarium’s “AstroVan” outreach program and in-Planetarium field excursions, more than one hundred thousand Utah schoolchildren enjoy an education of the highest caliber in astronomy and space science every year. My sincere gratitude goes out to the state of Utah and the Utah State Board of Education. Field excursions and school visits are made possible for public and charter schools in Utah because of financing from the Informal Science Education Enhancement (iSEE) program.
Science on a Sphere
Science on a Sphere (SOS) is a display system that projects pictures and other data onto a gigantic sphere using a combination of computers and projectors. The effect is very similar to that of a giant dynamic globe. Themes from education are altered to meet the state of Utah’s science and SEEd grade level requirements. Shows and topics may be tailored to the skill level of any group upon request, and they are open to any group.
Exhibits
Explore the Earth
Free, hands-on, and interactive exhibitions may be found over all three levels of the Clark Planetarium. Indulge your natural inclination to wonder as you experiment and explore the exhibits. You will unearth novel perspectives on their planet, the cosmos, the solar system, and even beyond afield.
The driving forces behind the planet’s ongoing transformation
The Earth is a dynamic globe due to various factors, including wind, water, earthquakes, and volcanoes, as well as the effects of cosmic collisions.
Restless Planet
Participate in an enormous tornado, construct a volcano, or get everyone in your group to work together to create the strongest earthquake imaginable! In this section of their museum, there is an exhibit called the Foucault Pendulum. If you stop for a minute, you may observe how the spinning Earth forces a peg to fall. Explore the world with their 6-foot Rand McNally Earth Globe and get your hands on genuine geological artifacts from significant eras in Earth’s history.
Impact
The Earth is continually being hit by asteroids and other debris from space. In this monumental game to ward off asteroids, you will have the opportunity to team up with another player to defend the planet from many hazards. This section of the exhibit area showcases the remarkable meteorite collection that Clark Planetarium has to offer, which includes the second-largest meteorite on display west of the Mississippi River.
The Moon
The Moon is the only spot in the universe beyond Earth where humanity has been able to set foot. It is the brightest and biggest object seen in the night sky. Learn how the phases of the Moon operate while gazing at one of the giant authentic moon rocks that has ever been shown in a public setting. You may get a feel for the forces of gravity, acceleration, and inertia by giving one of their Lunar Lander exhibitions a go and seeing how well you do.
Near-Earth Exhibits
Space Weather
There is something in every part of space. Plasma may be found everywhere. Learn about the strength of planetary magnetic fields via interactives that let you fire solar flares at the Earth and other planets. To manipulate an auroral show at a point in the far north, you must first position yourself in front of the phenomenon and then wave your hand in front of the display. Utilize several different shows to exert control over plasma and use their Planeterrella Exhibit to bring about the formation of an auroral oval (one of only 2 of this type on public display). View a massive projection of their star, which is now quite active, and watch a time-lapse video of the Northern Lights captured from the International Space Station.
Beyond Exhibits
Planetary Processes
What is the nature of the solar system that we live in? In what ways do you have experience with the subject matter? Planets? Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz about the Solar System! Engage your sense of scent in the task at hand, and try to identify the odors of other planets. Your very own weather report, as seen from wherever you happen to be right now. Observe water freezing right before your eyes while using a polarizer to investigate the resulting crystals. Utilizing their Solar System Explorer, you may see the size of the solar system’s significant bodies and explore it on your own. The “Icy Bodies” display allows visitors to learn about the early solar system and the comets that existed at that time.
Far Out
A star’s size dictates its ultimate destiny. You need just set your thoughts to the job of thinking what it would be like to be in that situation. to relocate. one cubic centimeter of white dwarf material. Feel what it would be like. When you think of anything like that, picture a neutron star or a black hole. In their “Vanta Black Hole,” which is 99.97% effective at absorbing light, you may see (or choose not to observe) the substance that is the darkest ever produced by humanity.
Collect stars using your black holes, or compete with other party members to see who has the most “gravity” in their interactive digital display called the Gravity Floor. Check out your image in infrared to see how their warm and cool contours may make a statement about you.
Io
Proceed through this door to reach the most immersive section of the planetarium. You can look at the enormous planet from your vantage point on Jupiter’s most prominent and closest Moon, Io. Do you want to explore the surface of Io while operating a rover to gather resources? A youngster can write a simple serial program to drive your rover since the process is so straightforward.
Northrop Grumman Exploration Space
Let your children have their own space adventure when they climb about on their climber. Be sure not to miss the glow-in-the-dark galaxy mural that is only visible from the interior of the building. There’s a good chance that some family members may wish to share a tale on their massive globe magnet board, land a lunar lander, or construct and launch a rocket. Please create your rocket by combining fuel and oxygen, then compete to see who can make it travel the furthest. Check out your reflection in the infrared camera, and see how their hot and cold shapes can genuinely make an impression! Read more articles.
For further details, contact (385) 468-7827.