NOAA 96-r506

Contact:  Dane Konop            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                7/22/96

ELECTRIC SPACE EXHIBIT OPENS AT NOAA

Outer space comes to Silver Spring, Md. in a major traveling exhibit entitled "Electric Space: Exploring Our Plasma Universe," that opens to the public Aug. 2 at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration exhibit hall at 1301 East-West Highway, the Commerce Department agency announced today.

"The Electric Space exhibit should be a real treat for anyone -- child or adult, scientist or non-scientist -- who is interested in learning more about the earthly effects of phenomena we normally expect to find only in outer space," said NOAA Chief Scientist Al Beeton.

"Visitors will learn how plasma, the matter that makes up stars, can be found on Earth in lightning, in neon signs and in a common candle flame. Using interactive displays such as the aurora terralla, a 30-inch sphere that simulates a polar aurora, we can see how the Earth is really a giant magnet. The exhibit also reveals little-known secrets of the sun, including the forces which produce solar winds that can buffet the Earth like a space-borne hurricane," Beeton said.

Developed by the Space Science Institute and the Franklin Institute Science Museum, the exhibit will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays from Aug. 2 through Labor Day, Sept. 2, before beginning a nationwide tour. Admission is free. The exhibit is a short walk from the Silver Spring Metro stop. Ample parking is available in nearby public lots.


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