The ‘Australia in Space: In Orbit’ exhibition has touched down at the Albury LibraryMuseum for the school holidays and will run until 15 March. Photo: Supplied.
Visitors to the Albury LibraryMuseum are having a blast these school holidays thanks to an interactive travelling space exhibition developed by Questacon.
Australia in Space: In Orbit touched down on the Border in time for Christmas and has drawn fantastic numbers to the library-museum since opening, according to museum co-ordinator Emma Williams.
“We’ve had lots of bumper visitor days, which is great,” Ms Williams said. “During the past two weeks we’ve had nearly 1200 people in – that’s fantastic numbers for us.”
The national travelling exhibition uses hands-on exhibits to show how Australian technology contributes to space and improves our daily lives.
It focuses on life above Earth, offering the opportunity to explore microgravity, habitat design and the challenges of everyday tasks in space.
Visitors can snap photos aboard a mock space station, test their satellite engineering skills and discover the thousands of objects currently orbiting the planet.
Ms Williams said the digital interaction elements appealed to children and, given the premise of the exhibition is “in orbit”, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and experience exactly that!
“The Space Habitat 3D table is proving particularly popular,” she said. “Visitors can move digital astronauts around and explore how they do different things – even everyday tasks like sleeping.”
One of Ms Williams’ favourites is the Zero G space landscape, where you can take a photograph that makes it appear as if you are walking or floating in space.
Another section offers a space to sit and watch a movie reel featuring footage of earth from orbit, rocket launches and other striking visuals.
“This exhibition is a blast for anyone curious about space,” she said.
“It highlights Australia’s ingenuity and the diverse people behind our space achievements, from engineers and scientists to women and First Nations contributors.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for children and families to explore the science and stories behind Australia’s contributions to space, right here in Albury.”
Throughout the school holidays until 3 February, children can also take part in an alien treasure hunt at the library museum as part of this out-of-the-world experience.
“The kids solve a series of clues around the building and receive a small prize at the end,” Ms Williams said.
It’s all part of enhancing school holiday entertainment opportunities at the library museum, she added.
“You can really make a day of it here visiting the cafe, coming in and reading a book, enjoying a treasure hunt and experiencing this exhibition,” she said.
On display until 15 March, there is still plenty of time to catch an experience that will leave visitors with a new perspective on how space research drives everyday technologies, and a greater appreciation of Australia’s role in global space innovation.
Australia in Space: In Orbit is at the Albury LibraryMuseum, corner of Kiewa and Swift streets, Albury. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm; Tuesday and Friday, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 4pm; and Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm. For more information visit the website.
