By JOSHUA PHILLIPS
Northeast News
June 10, 2013

Are we alone in the universe? This age-long question asked by humans is explored upon with a new interactive exhibit at Union Station’s Science City.

Alien Worlds and Androids is the newest exhibit at Union Station and opened May 24. Production of the exhibit was designed by international marketing agency Global Experience Specialists (GES).

“At GES, we are huge science-fiction fans and science buffs,” said Eddie Newquist, EVP and Chief Creative Officer of GES. “With this exhibit we want to show that NASA scientists want to inspire the next generation… and these scientists are excited to share their research.”

This touring exhibition includes research from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to showcase the search for alien lifeforms on Earth and in the universe. In this showcase, Hollywood science-fiction and science research come together, said Christie Nitsche, manager of Science Center Marketing Communications.

“This is definitely a unique experience for families and visitors,” Nitsche said. “We want to show science-fiction merging with science in this research-based exhibit.”

Well-known Hollywood figures such as Ironman, C-3PO, the Terminator robot head and Alien from the Alien movies will be shown at the exhibit to demonstrate three of the areas for Alien Worlds and Androids.

In this new exhibit, there are nine interactive areas that visitors can be a part of. The following areas include: “Are We Alone”; “Looking for Life in Space”; “Alien Life on Earth”; “Artificial Intelligence and Robots”; “Robot Space Explorers”; “Explore the Solar System”; “The Robotization of Planet Earth”; “I-Cyborg”; and “The Human Microbiome.”

“I love the idea that science-fiction has inspired many of today’s scientists,” Newquist said. “I do not think (humans are alone in the universe). Scientists have learned how life finds a way to live and become something. I think there has to be a likelihood that we find something out there.”

Entrance to Science City, which includes admission to Alien Worlds and Androids, is $11.50 for children ages three to 12, $13.50 for adults (13 and older) and is free for Union Station members. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photos by Joshua Phillips