Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History

I was like a kid on a field trip as I was walking in the American Museum of Natural History. I had heard of the American Museum of Natural History since I was a kid and dreamt of seeing this place for myself. Now that I stand outside its doors the excitement is incredible. From the subway, there is a path to the museum building itself. It leads directly to a ticketing desk. Interestingly, the entrance to the museum is free but I was asked if I want to give a donation for the operation of the museum. I didn’t have the gall to pass on the donation but I still gave a small amount, after all, without these money, there won’t be a museum to visit.

These types of museums are the ones I like, that is, the more science-y ones compared to the historical or arty ones. I never really had an interest in the latter two types as my love has always been in science. I was like a kid in a candy store as I want to try to cover as much ground as possible. Reading every single thing here is not possible so I needed to pick. I didn’t know where I was going yet so I just kept on walking. I came upon what seemed to be a space themed wing called the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Space is one of my all time favorite topics and they have a wing for that. There is a massive sphere surrounded by small replicas of the planets. I didn’t realize it immediately but the massive sphere is supposed to be the sun and this is like a miniature solar system.

The sun sphere also serves as a audio/visual room but I didn’t get to go in since there was a queue. Around the sun is a walkway which shows the scales of the universe. Think of how large the sun sphere is then they use it to compare that sphere with other larger structures in the universe. It moves from the solar system, to the oort cloud, to the galaxy, the local group all the way to the universe itself. I think I need to stop, my inner geek is showing. Anyway, the exhibit was simply mind blowing. At the central area there is an activity area where younger ones can learn about space. Of particular interest to me was a large meteorite which was on display. What was so special about it was that it is made of iron. It is mind-blowing to see such an object from the heavens right in front of you. It was also close enough to touch as well. I think I will be enjoying this visit.

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