Expanding Horizons

The Catawba Science Center has officially launched Expanding Horizons in the Hall of Astronomy! Explore our solar system and learn all about space travel, where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how new technology will help us get there. Prepare to join humanity’s quest to expand our horizons!

Pluto and Dwarf Planets

A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun, has sufficient mass to be nearly round, but has not cleared its neighboring region of other debris.

Our solar system has five dwarf planets. In order of distance from the Sun they are: Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris. In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union.

Moon to Mars

The next giant leap of human space travel includes a mission beyond the moon - Mars! Even with the advancement in technology, the mission to Mars comes with complex preparations, including the development of spacecraft capability and establishments of sustainable habits and life support systems.

Mars explorers wanted!

Living and working on Mars will present challenges. Experience a simulation of life on Mars within the Mars Pod, at this exhibit. Pick a profession as a Mapper, Pod Engineer, Rover Pilot, or Nutritionist and engage in tasks essential to the Mars mission. Learning more about Mars will help us understand more about planetary geology, the history of the solar system, and how life evolves.

Mapper

Map the surface of Mars, looking for geologic features and evidence of past life.

Pod Engineer

Keep conditions in the Mars Pod safe and comfortable.

Rover Pilot

Control the Mars Rover as it explores the surface of Mars.

Nutritionist

Grow food and prepare meals.

Mission Control & Space Technology

Space mission control is a critical component of any space exploration endeavor, serving as the nerve center for monitoring, directing, and coordinating all aspects of a mission. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, success, and efficiency of space missions by overseeing spacecraft operations, communicating with astronauts or robotic probes, and making real-time decisions based on data and telemetry received from the mission.

Choose an assignment at the Multi-Mission Operations Center, in the Expanding Horizons exhibit, to explore all about the telescopes in space. Telescopes in space are controlled by scientists on Earth. Scientists can send signals to the telescope to give commands about where to take pictures and how to collect data. They also receive signals from the telescopes containing images and data.

Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, is a powerful observatory orbiting Earth. It has captured stunning images of distant galaxies, stars, and nebulae, revolutionizing our understanding of space.

James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope's focus is on observing the universe in infrared wavelengths, allowing it to study the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets with detail.