The Space Spot
The Space Spot brings informal astronomy and space science education to arenas where it can make most impact. With sophisticated visual style, hands-on interactive stations, and exceptional portability, The Space Spot not only shines on your museum floor, but can easily travel to school gymnasiums, fairs and festivals, and community and shopping centers. The Space Spot was produced by Pacific Science Center with support from the National Science Foundation and is suitable for all ages.

Read a review of The Space Spot here.

For more information about renting or buying a replicated copy of The Space Spot, please contact Felicia Maffia - felicia_maffia@pacsci.org - (206)443-4626.

Interactives

A Sunful of Jupiters
How do the sizes of the Earth, Sun, and Jupiter compare? See how many scale-sized "Jupiters" will fit inside a "sun" globe. Then see how many pea-sized "Earths" fit in a single "Jupiter" globe.

Star Colors
Why is the sun yellow, while other stars are blue or red or white? Stars' colors are a result of their temperatures. Compare the colors of three light bulbs--can you tell which is hottest? Then use a knob to match the bulbs' colors to a specific temperature.

3D Constellation
Constellations are giant pictures created by drawing lines between the night sky's stars. But because stars are not an equal distance away from the Earth, constellations don't look like they do from any other vantage point. Take a trip "around" the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), and see for yourself!

Orbit Well
How long does it take a planet to orbit a star? Well, it depends on its distance. Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, takes just 88 days to complete an orbit, while dwarf-planet Pluto needs 248 years. Use coins to simulate planetary paths with this hyperbolic gravity well.
  • All in Your Point of View
  • Big Numbers
  • Book Nook
  • Connect the Stars
  • Constellation Animation
  • Discovery Cart
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • About Phase
  • Portable Planetarium
  • Puzzle Pods
  • Rocks from Space
  • See Your Weight on All the Other Planets
  • Star Spectra
  • Swirl World
  • The Planet Shuffle

Space Required
  • 1,000-1,500 sq. ft. (2,000 sq. ft. with planetarium)
  • Minimum 11 ft. ceiling height (if using the planetarium)
Length of Venue
  • 12-14 weeks
  • A commitment to two outreach venues per rental using all or part of the exhibition

Included Features
  • 17 interactive stations (16 with purchase)
  • Portable planetarium with security fencing (not included in purchase)
  • Mobile "Discovery Cart" teaching station with script
  • "Book Nook" with relevant reading material
  • Marketing and educational materials
  • Pacific Science Center staff to assist in installation