For the next two weeks, Elon University is hosting a traveling NASA exhibit that showcases images of the universe taken from the Hubble, Chandra and Spitzer telescopes, and an astronomy class led by assistant professor Dan Evans presented the community outreach project to students and faculty Tuesday at College Coffee on the Phi Beta Kappa Commons.
The “From Earth to the Universe” display, which includes colorful and inspiring images from across the electromagnetic spectrum, has appeared in prominent locations across the world, including The Mall in Washington, D.C.; the World Science Festival in New York City; Tianjin, China; the Moscow Expo; and the Iranian National Parliament Building.
The Elon exhibit will consist of two stages: its introduction at College Coffee, and the images stationed on the brick walkways in the Academic Village.
“NASA’s images are among the most thought-provoking that humans have ever captured,” Evans said. “It really is a great privilege to have these ‘greatest hits’ here on campus. What I want people to take away from this exhibit is just how amazing our universe is.
“It’s all about learning through experience. There’s only so much a book or website can communicate. Getting face to face with these images allows many people to be involved in this process, ranging from students to faculty to families to school children. Everyone is welcome to come and engage with this exhibit.”
Each panel contains an informational panel explaining the science behind the image. The exhibit first started in June 2008 and has received of the International Year of Astronomy 2009/Mani Bhaumik Prize for Excellence in Astronomy Education and Public Outreach. It has since appeared in 70 countries on six continents.
For more details, contact Dan Evans, assistant professor of physics, at devans5@elon.edu, or visit www.fromearthtotheuniverse.org.