An interactive science journey for anyone interested in Earth and space exploration, Minnetrista Cultural Center’s new exhibit “Eyes on Earth” dives into the concepts of technology and space.

The Eyes on Earth exhibit, created by the NASA-funded Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, focuses mainly on the satellites revolving around the Earth, as well as NASA’s Earth Observing System, the ways satellite observations are made and what can be learned using this technology, according to the Minnetrista’s Web site.

Upon walking into the room of the exhibit, guests are greeted by a colorful setting filled with blinking lights, distant sounds and complicated devices. Each space of the large, hardwood floor is filled with different satellite-related features, such as a data station, miniature telescopes, an orbit table, an image gallery and many other hands-on features for space enthusiasts of all ages.

“This exhibit is important because it’s not just space technology, it also talks about the influences of global warming and how those affect the atmosphere,” Minnetrista’s communications specialist Steven Beverly said. “The focus is really on Earth and how we use technology to understand what’s happening on Earth. It’s a very interactive exhibit.”

Interactivity is one of the most prevalent aspects of the exhibit, allowing children and adults the ability to create their own satellites, study satellite images of Earth, observe different orbits and see the effects specific environmental factors have on the planet.

Beverly said the exhibit is targeted primarily toward families and children from elementary school to junior high age. In fact, many of those who visit are a part of school groups and assorted field trips by different groups.

“It’s fun, this is the first time we’ve actually been to this exhibit. We’re really enjoying it,” said Heather Dahl, a mother visiting the Eyes on Earth exhibit with her son, Connor, whose favorite feature was the orbit simulation.

Each Minnetrista exhibit lasts anywhere from three to five months and is very carefully chosen by the staff.

“We have a very complicated system of determining which exhibits we’ll actually rent to bring into Minnetrista but primarily it’s based on our gallery size and the cost of the exhibits and whether they fit into nature, history, gardens and art,” Beverly said.

The exhibit opened Jan. 30 and will run until May 9 during Minnetrista’s regularly scheduled hours, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members. With admission to the Eyes on Earth exhibit, visitors are also allowed access to all other exhibits.

For more information about Minnetrista or Eyes on Earth, visit minnetrista.net or call 765-282-4848.

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David Boulton | Staff Reporter