Free Exhibits
The Fleischmann Planetarium Exhibit Hall on the main floor contains changing hands-on interactive displays, as well as permanent exhibits including large-scale rotating Earth and moon globes, a black hole demonstrator, dozens of meteorites and more. All exhibits are free and open daily.
Now Featured in the Planetarium Exhibit Hall
In Perspective
• Our Earth — 6-foot Rand McNally Geophysical Relief Globe features Earth as viewed from space
• Foucault Pendulum — Visible rotation of the Earth
• Our Moon — 6-foot rotating moon as viewed from a location in space
• Sierra Range — Western Wall of the Great Basin viewed from orbit
• International Space Station — Human outpost in space
• Our Solar System — A working model of the planets around our sun called an “orrery” as viewed from the edge of our solar system
• Gravity Well — Black-hole simulator illustrating orbital mechanics
Meteorites — Rocks from Space
• Touch a Fallen Star — A 30-pound meteorite!
• Quinn Canyon Meteorite — Half-ton meteorite found in Nevada in 1908
• Extensive collection of many types of meteorites, including four more found in Nevada!
Perceptual Relativity
What does it mean to see? This new exhibit developed by the University of Nevada, Reno Department of Psychology explores individual perception through visual illusions — images that distort our perceptions in remarkable ways. The Perceptual Relativity Exhibit allows visitors to explore dozens of illusions where stationary figures appear to move, lines and colors are warped by their surroundings, and entirely new perceptions emerge simply by turning the picture. Reaching far beyond the surface of perceptions, these illusions provide a powerful window into the workings of the human mind.
• Einstein’s Theory of Relativity revealed that space and time are not absolute but depend upon the observer.
• This exhibit shows that our perceptions are also relative. Sights and sounds can change in surprising ways depending on the context in which we perceive them.
• The resulting illusions provide a powerful window into the workings of the human mind.
The Perceptual Relativity exhibit was created by faculty and students in the Graduate Program in Cognitive and Brain Sciences in the University’s Department of Psychology, and was supported by grants from the Optical Society of America and the University of Nevada, Reno College of Liberal Arts. See press release.
Now Featured on the Planetarium’s Lower Level
ViewSpace — Also known as the Hubble Gallery, ViewSpace features a regularly updated program presenting current space news and Hubble findings produced and “beamed” from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Md.
NASA Featured Projects — Video kiosk with changing 15-30-minute videos of current and upcoming NASA missions and projects.
Amazing Space — Computer kiosk running an offline version of NASA’s Amazing Space educational program
Art/Space Gallery — Rotating exhibits of astronomy-themed artwork from regional and national artists
Now showing at the Art/Space Gallery
Marianna Lucido Exhibition: Portraits of Space
South Lake Tahoe watercolor artist Marianna Lucido specializes in portraits of space. She also works in acrylics and pastels. Lucido has studied the elements of watercolor painting and life drawing at Lake Tahoe Community College and her technique has evolved from explorations of abstract color and astronomy.
Artist statement:
My perception of the elements of shape, color and texture allows me to create an image which I feel expresses the energy of the universe. Through my art, I hope to enable people to reconnect with themselves and the primal world around them, which has and will continue to exist for billions of years. Ultimately, we are all creatures of space.
Lucido also exhibits at Rock Your World in South Lake Tahoe. See more of her work at http://www.tahoecosmicgallery.com or email mariannalucido@yahoo.com.
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