Exploration Gallery

Shake in an earthquake, see under the sea, and use the gadgets that take us to places we have only been able to imagine.

To Infinity and Beyond

Our exploration has reached far beyond where we can travel physically. With the Hubble Space Telescope and other instruments used to study deep space, we can study and understand places we'll likely never experience first-hand. In the last area of the Explorations gallery, you learn about Hubble and see its striking images, examining a scale model up close. "Listen" to space for sounds of intelligent civilizations in an exhibit about the science of SETI. As you leave the gallery, stroll past a stunning image of Earth spinning in the blackness of space. More Info...

Destination: Space

A surprising amount of research about to life on Earth and our future in space takes place in space. In this hi-tech space environment - space station components, overhead struts and floating astronauts - you can explore the basic technologies behind space exploration and learn about the people who travel to and study space. More Info...

To Other Worlds

This immersive environment takes you to a planetary base that could be on the Moon or Mars, two possible workplaces of the future. Here, the ‘hows' and ‘whys' of recent, current, and future exploration of these two destinations captivate you with real-life science that sounds like science fiction. Beyond the base are exhibits that address how humans use technology as an extension of our eyes and ears to explore a universe too vast for us to explore in person. More Info...

Earth Watch

Images of Earth from space have become a key tool of science. Explore real scientific images on graphics and multimedia programs and discover how they were created. Build a satellite, learn how satellites image the Earth, and see the Earth as seen from space: as a whole, zooming in and out, or viewing weather patterns over time. More Info...

Living on a Restless Planet

This exhibit area focuses on the technologies used to study and monitor movement of the Earth's crust, with particular emphasis on Bay Area earthquakes. Use real seismographic equipment such as creep meters and strain gauges in your own experiments. More Info...

The Deep Frontier

The experiences in Deep Frontier explain the crucial role technology plays in helping us understand the oceans, which cover about 70% of the planet. Exhibits focus on technologies for manned underwater exploration and underwater robotics for remote exploration. Try your hand at piloting remove underwater vehicles, or do a diving simulation to learn how to avoid ‘the bends." More Info...