The new, revived Sun -Earth Connection Exhibit in Boulder has undergone a redesign - the first such since it opened in the first Obama term (in 2010). The Exhibit, sponsored by the National Center For Atmospheric Research, has thus far escaped the heavy hand of Trump in deforming or defunding it. Let us hope that continues.
Recall, that when Janice and I attended the Solar Dynamic Observatory Workshop in Boulder way back in February, i.e.
Looking Back On Last Week's Solar Dynamics Workshop - One Of The Best Meetings I've Ever Attended
We were warned by the organizer, Dean Pesnell, that with the then DOGE cuts at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research), up to ten percent of the attendees "might be joining breadlines". Fortunately, based on the news in The Boulder Daily Camera, NCAR and its exhibit have thus far escaped. Given that, the curious public can look forward to a stirring exhibition free to all ages (see photo at top) including hands-on experiences. According to The Camera:
"Visitors can use their hands to feel the layers of the Sun through a tactile model. They will also be able to create and aurora and imagine themselves as researchers in a solar observatory."
This, of course, is knockout incredible. Especially as we desperately need an increased appreciation and understanding of science by the public. (See my Sept. 3 post on the importance of sound science communication.) I place learning about the Sun and its effects on Earth in general, second in fact, to learning about the importance of vaccines and their role in managing disease - old and new. I mean, putting oneself in the position of a solar researcher? What's not to like?
Visitors will also be able to learn- via assorted exhibits about the actual research being done at NCAR. This includes the latest research and observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, hence why exhibits are re-evaluated every ten years to take into account potential changes in our knowledge.
The new exhibit is the product of a cooperative effort. As reported by The Camera:
"For three years, the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and Center for Science Education staffers have worked to reimagine the exhibit. UCAR manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. The team also worked with solar scientists from the NCAR High Altitude Observatory and with designers.
According to Emily Snode-Brenneman, the UCAR Sci-Ed Exhibits manager who led the remodel quoted in a release:
"The UCAR science-education team was very intentional about creating an experience that would be user friendly for variety of people. Creating the tactile Sun was an especially fun challenge to work around. In real life, the Sun isn't something you can touch, so we had to think of ways to translate the layers into something you can experience with your fingers."
Other features, which we can't wait to see and experience on our next trip to Boulder include:
- An interactive touch screen game in which visitors can prepare earthly infrastructure for an incoming solar storm
And:
- 'The Sun Today' which allows visitor to see live images of the Sun from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Well, folks and kiddies, you can actually see that last one now by going to this link:
SDO | Solar Dynamics Observatory
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