I got the whoooole world in my hands.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is all about giving. First, they gave Houstonians the Moon. Now, the always-generous museum is giving visitors the world. Show your respects to Mother Earth this April at their upcoming exhibition Gaia – Earth. [Featured image courtesy of hmns.org]
Other than NASA, no institution takes their home in Space City more seriously than the HMNS. Over the years the museum has continued to exhibit out-of-this-world expositions that honor our intergalactic accomplishments. Their educational endeavors will reach a new height this April with the coming exhibition from the sculptor behind the Moon, Luke Jerram.
The exhibition will feature a spherical structure of Earth in the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall. To clarify, this isn’t some globe you spun in 4th grade Geography class. The Gaia is a giant replica of Earth featuring real life imagery curated from photo-composites taken from Outer Space.
It’s no coincidence that the project will arrive in time for Earth Day. Back in 1968, on Christmas Eve, William Anders of the Apollo 8 photographed the first color-rendered image of Earth. This single event would change our collective perception of the 3rd planet forever.
“We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.” – William Anders
The photograph, called Earthrise, would be seen by the world. One of these people, was Walter Cronkite. Like many, the beloved reporter, journalist, and anchorman was captivated by the image. All the colors of Earth were there in striking shades against the dark blackness of outer space. Like many, Cronkite saw this image as a symbol. It was a reminder that our planet is rich with life, and that this place blooming with green pastures and blue waters, was worth preserving.
With this newfound perception inspired by the photograph, Cronkite would go on to extensively cover the first Earth Day founded by former Senator, Gaylord Nelson, on April 22, 1970. As a result of his coverage, support for the sustainability movement exploded. The subsequent green movement heightened awareness of the damage of pollution the importance of preserving our home. Furthermore, it reminded humans everywhere that we’re all on this Earth together.
Thankfully, that movement persists today. For large part, that sole photograph is to thank. In honor of which, we have Gaia – Earth. See Earth as it was first seen this April at the Gaia – Earth by Luke Jerram on April 14!
Gaia – Earth by Luke Jemmar will revolve through the Houston Museum of Natural Science from April 14 – June 30.