FACING MARS: Would You Survive The Journey?

By: Toronto4Kids

In June 2008, the Ontario Science Centre unveiled its newest attraction: FACING MARS: Would You Survive The Journey? This exclusive exhibition focuses on what we know about Mars but more importantly, what we don't know.

Displayed over 7000 sq. ft. of space, FACING MARS contains about 30 exhibits and was developed entirely by the Ontario Science Centre's team of experts.

As you enter the exhibit, you are asked to make a decision about what appears to be a simple question: "If you had the opportunity, would you go to Mars or not?" At the time of our visit, the majority of visitors entered through the YES turnstile. Why not? Mars seems like a really cool place to go!

But this expo is not entirely about travelling to the lonely and mysterious red planet. It's about engaging visitors to solve challenges through a range of interactive experiences. You must dive into the real physical, psychological and scientific tasks involved in a human mission to Mars - and understand all their consequences.

There are four main themes to the exhibit: Supporting Human Life, The Interpersonal and Psychological Experience, The Technology of Exploration and The Nature of Mars and Space Travel. Each presents challenges to overcome if we were to send humans on a mission to Mars.

As a visitor, you will assume the role of astronauts confronting the countless ventures and hazards brought on by a Mars exploration. You will be faced with a set of problems with no solutions, because to get to Mars, new ways of thinking must be developed!

How would you select your crew and would you endure the 3 year voyage required to get to Mars? Would you work well together and bring the right skills to the mission?

How would you perform medical tasks in space? Would you know how to stitch a wound or remove a splinter?

Would you be able handle the reduced gravity on Mars? How about walking at about 1/3 of your body's normal weight? How would you prevent bone demineralization caused by long-term exposure to reduced gravity - something that has a disastrous effect on astronauts' bones?

What would it be like to brave dust storms on Mars? What will happen when you get up close and personal with a simulated dust devil? How will you deal with the challenges that scientists anticipate from Martian dust and weather? Dust storms can cover almost the entire planet for months at a time.

Could you tolerate the isolation, sensory deprivation and confinement - three major issues facing crews heading to Mars?

How will you manage space motion sickness - sometimes so severe that astronauts have trouble working, exercising or even eating? And let's not even get into the "washroom" situation!

How would you handle the changes to your physical appearance, resulting from shifts in your body fluids, which would make your face appear "puffy" and affect your cardiovascular system?

On your mission to Mars, you will investigate and experience the effects of these issues and many many more! You will see and explore compelling artifacts, such as a rare Mars meteorite, and stunning visual imagery; and test your knowledge about Mars trivia. Do you hold any new answers to man's expedition to Mars? Once you explore the reality of leaving our planet, would you abandon the idea of a Mars journey?

Upon exiting the exhibit, you are asked to vote again - you would still go to Mars? Surprisingly, despite all the perils and the unknowns, more visitors still said, "YES"! Perhaps they missed the display that showed the samples of the astronauts' food! :)

Be sure to check out FACING MARS for an inspiring and thought-provoking voyage of discovery, and to see if you would survive!

The exhibit runs until January 4, 2009, at the Ontario Science Centre, and then it begins a tour of North America.

FACING MARS ticket prices are $2 for adults and $1 for children, in addition to regular admission. Combo tickets are available if you want to see the IMAX documentary Roving Mars, which complements the exhibition.

For further information and hours for the FACING MARS exhibition visit, www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.