Smithsonian space experience opens in Perth this month

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 18:21 · Archive

An immersive space exhibition by the Smithsonian will open at Northbridge Centre on 26 November.

Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience will open at Northbridge Centre on 26 November, bringing the Smithsonian's astronomical research to life through virtual reality and storytelling. The 40-minute exhibition allows visitors to explore a 3-D environment using wireless headsets, with friends and family appearing as digital avatars.

The experience starts at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in Arizona before taking attendees into deep space, drawing on observations from major telescopes including Hubble, James Webb and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Visitors will encounter the Pillars of Creation, a region where stars form; a simulation of the red supergiant Betelgeuse exploding as a supernova; and Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the centre of the galaxy. The exhibition shows how stars are made and die, how galaxies evolve, and where Earth's solar system sits within the universe.

Randall Smith, Associate Director for Science at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, said the project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging. Denise Elliott, acting president of Smithsonian Enterprises, said it would extend the institution's research and storytelling into a new format. The exhibition has previously been in cities throughout America, as well as London, São Paulo, Lisbon and Melbourne. The experience is recommended for people aged over 10, with a waitlist now open ahead of the ticket release.

How it is being reported

• Smithsonian Starstruck: Immersive space experience is making WA debut in Perth this monthPerth visitors will now be able to journey through distant galaxies when an internationally acclaimed space experience opens this month.The West Australian · 4 Nov, 18:00
• Smithsonian Starstruck: Immersive space experience is making WA debut in Perth this monthPerth visitors will now be able to journey through distant galaxies when an internationally acclaimed space experience opens this month.Perth Now · 4 Nov, 18:00

In this story: Smithsonian · Perth · Northbridge Centre · Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

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