Carnegie Science Center to open new Mars exhibition

The Carnegie Science Center is opening what it’s referring to as the most ambitious new experience built since the museum opened in 1991 — a $4.48 million exhibition called “Mars: The Next Giant Leap.”

The Mars exhibit will open to Carnegie Museum members Friday, Nov. 18 with the public grand opening set for the next day. It is a permanent exhibition gallery and will be included with general admission to the Science Center.

The 7,400 square-foot exhibition looks at how the issues of sustainability, climate change, social justice, and equitable access to resources can impact the future of human beings on Mars and on Earth.

“The goal of ‘Mars: The Next Giant Leap’ is to appeal to broad audiences and spark dialogue well beyond their visit, whether it leads them to think about space exploration, important social issues, or STEM careers they can pursue,” Henry Buhl Jr. Carnegie Science Center director Jason Brown said.

“The exhibition is truly unique from any other exhibition, as it provides engaging and unexpected perspectives on space exploration while at the same time illuminating why it is important to our everyday lives here on Earth.”

Brown said Carnegie Science Center visitors will learn how humanity’s understanding of Mars has solidified over time through seven experimental zones, including View From Mars. It looks at how sci-fi and pop culture as well as real-life exploration has shaped our perception of the red planet.

The Climatology zone focuses on how climates produce the conditions for life to arise or perish by trying scenarios set to affect both Mars and Earth.

In Martian Garden, visitors can discover potential ways of growing food on Mars and how we might be able to use these same methods to feed ourselves on Earth.

The Martian Living zone will encourage people to imagine what daily life on Mars is like by exploring the living space of a future Martian resident.

In Dream Big: Space, physical and digital building models will be constructed bringing a Martian settlement to life.

In Pittsburgh in Mars, visitors can learn about the “formative space exploration ecosystem” in Pittsburgh, how Pittsburgh companies are contributing to future research, and local space career opportunities.

And for hands-on fun, there will be opportunities for visitors to control a Martian rover, similar to ones on Mars’ surface, to seek out various signs of life and water in Search for Life.

Museum officials say these programs will allow new audiences of young people to see themselves as activists, artists, makers, inventors and healers.

For more information go to www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/mars.