Thanks to a new 3D interactive display, visitors to the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, KS, can visit the Apollo 11 landing site on the Moon, take a close look at an Apollo spacesuit or explore planet Earth. A new Liquid Galaxy display surrounds visitors with seven vertically placed, 50-inch, screens of rich imagery generated through data from Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Street view as well as images from the Moon.
The display was donated to the Cosmosphere by Brian and Beth McClendon of Lawrence.
“Beth and I first experienced the Cosmosphere last year and were very impressed,” Brian McClendon said. “As the Cosmosphere team works to improve the museum, this is one way we could help. We hope it inspires people to learn more about their world and universe, and how technology makes these experiences accessible.”
Brian McClendon may appreciate more than most how the Google technology immerses visitors in the exploration of their own planet and beyond. He was vice president of engineering and an original investor in Keyhole, Inc. In 2004, Google purchased Keyhole and Keyhole’s main application suite, Earth Viewer, became the foundation of Google Earth. McClendon worked with Google for ten years leading efforts including Google Maps, Google Earth, Streetview and Waze.
“The Liquid Galaxy gives the Cosmosphere its first state-of-the art interactive in our efforts to offer more hands-on activities for visitors,” said Jim Remar, Cosmosphere CEO. “Not only are we grateful for the donation of this incredible technology, but more importantly, for the support and interest the McClendons have extended to the Cosmosphere.”
The Liquid Galaxy experience is included with admission to the Hall of Space Museum on the lower level of the Cosmosphere.
For more information on Liquid Galaxy, visit liquidgalaxy.org.
