This summer, you can experience the cosmos without leaving Earth’s atmosphere. The Smithsonian is opening Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, a new virtual reality exhibit, in Washington, DC.
The exhibit is a collaboration with Fever, the company behind the Claude Monet and Van Gogh immersive experiences. The Smithsonian Starstruck VR experience will debut on Friday, June 12.
Developed with the Smithsonian’s Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), guests will be able to teleport from the Whipple Observatory in Arizona into the universe. You’ll get an up-close look at astronomical events that are only visible through the world’s most powerful telescopes.
“This project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging,” said Randall Smith, associate director for science at the Center for Astrophysics at SAO, in a press release. “It’s exciting to see astronomical data translated into an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration.”
Through the VR headset, you’ll be able to witness the sun’s solar flares and hear its vibrations that were captured by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe. You can also watch the life cycle of a star and travel to different galaxies and black holes. Plus, you’ll experience sights from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.
Smithsonian Starstruck is approximately one hour, with the VR experience lasting around 40 minutes. Tickets start at $32 for adults 18 and older. Tickets are $24.50 for children ages 10 to 17, students, and seniors 60 and older. The experience is recommended for visitors 10 years and older.
The exhibit will be open Fridays through Mondays through September 28. Time slots range every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. 926 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Fever
