As a little girl, I was fascinated by space and astronomy. Whenever I looked up at the night sky, I was mesmerized about the stars and planets twinkling above. My curiosity about space was like a firework, always bursting with excitement and questions. I loved reading books and dreaming about what it would be like to explore outer space. Even though I was just a small girl, my passion for space and astronomy was as big as the universe itself, and it's something that has stayed with me ever since.
Today I was excited to attend a press event to gain insights into the first ever space-themed exhibition produced by Heureka. (This is my photo below of the Moon that stands at the exhibition almost 1,5 m tall, great backdrop to be photographed!)
What: 'Our Journey Through Space' exhibition at the Finnish Science Center Heureka
When: Opening on Saturday, February 10, 2024, until January 2026
Where: Heureka, the Finnish Science Center, Tiedenpuisto 1, Tikkurila, Finland (Travel tip! If you are tourists in Finland and you are going by train back to the airport, if you have time on the day of your departure you can take train-I from the railway station towards the Airport and make a stop to Heureka. There is luggage storage available.)
Why: To engage visitors of all ages in interactive learning experiences about space exploration, emphasizing the importance of protecting Earth and sustaining life. A great way to spend a weekend or winter holiday with the whole family!
At a press event today, I had the chance to take a sneak peak at the first ever space-themed exhibition produced by Heureka titled 'Our Journey Through Space', which opens its doors for the public on February 10, 2024.
'Our Journey in Space' is an activity-based exhibition for visitors of all ages. This immersive experience invites visitors to explore the wonders of space exploration while highlighting the importance of safeguarding our blue marble home planet.
Exhibition visitors enter a future space station (see entrance in the photo☝🏻) in Earth's orbit, where they become space professionals through narrative missions and games. Visitors can protect our planet and explore the universe as members of six different teams of space professionals: Protectors of Earth, Research pioneers, Masters of negotiation, Wellness creators, Technologists, and Seers of the future. At the end of your visit, you can pose for a photograph as a space professional in the team of your choice!
In the world of the exhibition, mankind has returned to the Moon, using its resources and conducting research there.
Also, the exhibition allows you to embark on an imaginary trip to Mars and experience the difficulties of the trip in a fast-paced group simulation. Together with 4 others crew members you will enter the Mars spacecraft and you have to complete various tasks in a confined space. If you claustrophobic, keep in mind that the space is small as exactly it would be for the first people to ever go on a mission to Mars. (Tip! If you decide to enter the simulation, you can always exit by pressing a button at the right side of the door!)
Finally, after you solve as many tasks as you can (or if your kids are tired), you can sit for 27 minutes and watch 'Living Worlds', an original planetarium show from the California Academy of Sciences. As we ponder what forms life might take in the Solar System and beyond, 'Living Worlds' encourages us to consider how a deeper understanding of our own planet can aid in the search for life across the cosmos, and to reflect on ways we can partner with our living world to ensure our continued survival.
Earth is our best spaceship
Several companies around the world, including both startups and established aerospace firms, have begun working on missions to the Moon. Finnish companies are also active in space industry. However, "Earth is our best spaceship. Our goal is to keep our ship in good condition and protect it from external threats. How can we protect life on Earth and sustain it for as long as possible? Space activities are an important part of the solution. In order of importance, the exhibition presents these three themes: first, protection of Earth and research, second, research and industry in Moon, thirdly, research and sci-fi about Mars," explains Emmi Huhtaniemi (photo below), Exhibition Designer at Heureka.
“You don’t need to be an astronaut to do space work! Surprisingly, space activities are part of everyone’s daily lives. We are constantly connected to space through the satellites orbiting Earth, and many of the functions and systems of our society depend on them. Almost all space activities and space exploration are connected to Earth, understanding its development and safeguarding its habitability. Even the most far-reaching research on the universe gives us insight into the history and future of Earth,” says Sami Pihkala (photo below), Exhibition producer and the project manager of this space-themed exhibition.
The joy of discovery and experiential learning
Science centers play a vital role in educating and inspiring audiences of all ages. They provide a platform for hands-on learning experiences that blend play, discovery, and education. At Heureka, the power of experiential learning and learning-by-doing are vital in order to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.
The 'Journey Through Space' offers visitors the opportunity to become space professionals as they embark on interactive missions and games. From deflecting asteroids to designing space probes, participants will engage in thrilling activities that simulate the challenges of space exploration. By immersing themselves in these experiences, visitors will gain a newfound appreciation for the complexities of space science and technology.
Heureka goes by the slogan "The joy of discovery" therefore learning should be enjoyable. 'A Journey Through Space" combines entertainment with education, ensuring that visitors have fun while expanding their knowledge. Whether piloting a lunar rover or pondering ethical questions related to space activities, participants will discover the excitement of discovery while engaging with cutting-edge science.
'Our Journey in Space' produced by Heureka was created in collaboration with a variety of key stakeholders such Finnish and international space technology and research experts, as well as companies and organizations in the field. The exhibition sponsors include the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland, Linde Gas, and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority in Finland (STUK).
Welcome to Heureka to experience the joy of discovery!