ORLANDO, Fla. – Next month, NASA is set to launch a mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa in search of signs of life, but before that, guests at Sea Life Orlando can learn about the ocean world through an exclusive exhibit.
The aquarium at ICON Park will host NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) “Voyage of Europa Clipper: Exploring an Alien Ocean” exhibit on Sept. 28-29.
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Slightly smaller in size compared to Earth’s moon, Europa is believed to hold more water than all of Earth’s oceans combined beneath its thick shell of ice, and NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is set to explore the uncharted ocean with the spacecraft making dozens of close flybys.
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“This event is a rare opportunity to bridge the excitement of space exploration with the mysteries of Earth’s oceans,” said Michelle Daniels, Head of Marketing at SEA LIFE Orlando. “Hosting this exhibit allows visitors to explore both the depths of our planet’s oceans and the vast possibilities of ocean worlds beyond.”
“Voyage of Europa Clipper: Exploring an Alien Ocean” is included with regular admission at Sea Life Orlando.
Highlights of the two-day event include:
- Space Meets Ocean: An inflatable model of Europa gives visitors a gigantic glimpse of this distant moon and its hidden watery depths.
- Hands-On Science: Channel your inner astronaut and try out interactive experiments that show off the high-tech instruments on NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft.
- Spacecraft Models: Get an up-close view of the Europa Clipper spacecraft models and learn about the tech that will soon venture into an uncharted ocean.
- Creative Family Fun: From science-themed art activities to mind-blowing visuals, there’s something for everyone in this stellar family adventure.
- Live Talks with Dr. Morgan Cable: Hear from Dr. Morgan Cable at 1 p.m. on both days as she delves into the Europa Clipper mission and its search for life beneath Europa’s icy surface. Having worked on missions like Cassini, Dragonfly, and Mars Perseverance, Dr. Cable brings a wealth of knowledge and insight that will captivate audiences.
The Europa Clipper is the biggest spacecraft ever built by NASA to investigate another planet, spanning more than 100 feet (30 meters) with its solar panels unfurled. Liftoff is set for Oct. 10 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center.
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