TUCSON, Ariz. (Feb. 7, 2025) – The University of Arizona’s Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is excited to announce the opening of its new interactive exhibit, "Universe of Science," today. This technology-driven exhibit invites visitors to see themselves in science and embark on an engaging journey through the worlds of astronomy, neuroscience, Tucson’s unique mountain biomes, and more.

 

Visitors can interact with immersive displays and cutting-edge technology that bring scientific discoveries to life. Highlights of the exhibit include the Inner-Scientist Mirror, where guests can see themselves as digital avatars of scientists in various fields, and the JWST Mirror Wall, featuring a nearly 17-foot-long model of the James Webb Space Telescope’s primary mirror. The exhibit also offers a hands-on opportunity to dial up a monsoon thunderstorm in the Sky Islands zone.

 

A theme of reflection is found throughout "Universe of Science," encouraging Tucsonans and Flandrau’s 15,000 average annual K-12 field trip visitors to envision themselves in exciting science careers and explore how science impacts their lives.

 

"Science is a human endeavor, and we're all born curious," said Flandrau’s Exhibits Director Bill Plant. "We wanted to create a space dedicated to curiosity and exploration. We wanted to About Flandrau: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium at the University of Arizona provides explorational science experiences hands-on exhibits and immersive planetarium shows, bringing science alive for young and life-long learners alike. illustrate what being a scientist looks like: how you become one, what the career path entails, and the impact scientists have." The new exhibit also features ask-a-scientist kiosks, where visitors can select questions and access interviews with more than two dozen University of Arizona researchers. The exhibit covers a wide array of topics, from artificial intelligence and brain science to deep-space research and environmental phenomena. Visitors can engage in interactive activities like the Periodic Table Explorer, the Brain Collaboration Game, the AI Challenge, and the Chaotic Pendulums demonstration.

 

UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIONS

Many major components of the exhibit were developed in collaboration with University of Arizona scientists and researchers, including Regents Professor Marcia J. Rieke, who was instrumental in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope’s primary imager, NIRCam. A full-size model of the NIRCam, previously used for demonstrations and planning purposes, is also on display in the exhibit (donated by Marcia and George Rieke and the U of A Department of Astronomy).

 

IMPORTANCE AND FUNDING OF THE NEW EXHIBIT

"Universe of Science is the largest and most dynamic exhibit Flandrau has opened in decades, and we are excited to share it with our community," said Kellee Campbell, executive director for Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. "Our hope for this exhibit is to provide an experience where children can see themselves in science in new, unexpected, and inspiring ways." The new exhibit was funded by philanthropic support from organizations and foundations including Michael and Beth Kasser, the Armstrong McDonald Foundation, the Ruth McCormick Tankersley Charitable Trust, the Thomas R. Brown Family Foundation, and the Joseph Stanley Leeds Foundation.

 

“Universe of Science” is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, located at 1601 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Ariz. Admission is included with general entry tickets ranging from $3 to $14 per person, depending on age and other factors such as discounted rates for military ID, college ID, and EBT cardholders.

For more information, visit flandrau.org/explore/science-center-exhibits/universe-science.

 

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