OMSI space exhibit on display at HR library

The globe itself sits on top of a projector and is connected to a laptop programmed by NASA to show dozens of moving images and programs as the globe lights up and spins.

People of all ages can control the Magic Planet to show any of dozens of brilliantly-colored displays such as Earth's city lights, climate change, tsunamis, wind streams, ocean currents, geographic features, and much more, including videos about Earth that are projected onto the globe's surface.

"The Magic Planet is amazing. It captivates the senses. The one we've brought out to Eastern Oregon is a smaller version of the same Science on a Sphere exhibit we have here at the museum in Portland," said Nate Lesiuk, program developer for OMSI's Earth From Space program. "People are fascinated by it. Here at the museum we call it 'eye candy'."

Other parts of the Earth From Space exhibit brought to the Hood River library include a table-top spinning praxinoscope, which is a mirrored device showing weather patterns, and a weather-viewing station.

The Earth From Space exhibit is on display at the Hood River Library through a NASA grant provided to OMSI, in partnership with Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO). The Earth From Space exhibit will be rotated among public libraries in eastern Oregon through February 2013.

This display is free and open to the public during regular library hours.

For more information, please contact the Hood River County Library District at 541-386-2535.