Suit up and strap in! The Science Museum of Virginia is blasting guests into the cosmos this summer with the touring exhibition “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience.”
Showcasing how astronauts live and work, “Space” opens Saturday, May 27, and runs through Labor Day. It features dozens of hands-on stations letting guests explore the extraordinary environment of space, including the dangers humans face during their missions and adaptations engineers have developed to help them survive. Unlike many space exhibitions that focus on the history of cosmic adventures, “Space” looks to the future, both in what scientific innovations will be needed and what considerations are involved when (not if!) we construct a colony on Mars.
“While many of us have probably imagined what it’s like to live in space, very few humans ever get the chance to go,” said Science Museum Astronomer Justin Bartel. “This exhibition offers the next-best experience to engage in that exciting journey in an immersive way.”
We were invited to the media preview of the Science Museum of Virginia’s latest touring exhibition “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience.” Photos and a little commentary below. Tickets an more information at the Science Museum’s website reached by the first link above.
The vast majority of exhibits are interactive. For obvious reasons, some dramatic pieces of history are hands-off.
Yes, the space toilet is interactive but no you don’t get to test it out. The metal bars towards the front keep you from floating away while taking care of business.
There are videos throughout with astronauts giving details on the subject matter. The one about the bathroom was surprisingly detailed and informative. When viewing with children and immature adults (i.e. me) expect giggles.
Witness the impact of a meteoroid and how NASA deals with the potential danger.
I liked the space station dollhouse way more than a 50+ year old man should of. Luckily Hans, Sebastian, and Lucy all survived their adventures in my mind.
Space food!!! Space cookies!!! The video for this station was fascinating.
Speaking of food you can handle jars of peanut butter (no actual peanuts so no allergy worries) to feel the weight difference.
As you’d expect gravity is a big player in the exploration of space and the exhibits teach about it in a variety of creative ways. Most stations (not this one) allow for multiple folks to explore and learn so should be nice even if crowded.
Tangent Alert: The space station pictured above was created by NASA Ames Research Center, maybe Donald Davis but several artists were used and I couldn’t find any artist credit. In the 1970’s NASA started contemplating cities in space. One idea such as pictured above was the Stanford Torus. There is a fascinating article about the art and theories on a space city in this article by Bloomberg, NASA’s Groovy Concept Art for the Orbiting Cities of the Future.
This doughnut-shaped colony was much smaller, with an inside ring diameter of one mile compared to the cylindrical colony’s 4 miles, but was still expansive enough to promote the growth of a vibrant space society.
Just what kind of society it would be is an open question. NASA thought of all kinds of possible uses for orbiting cities, from penal institutions to refuges for political dissidents to friendly environments for the disabled, where paraplegics could zoom around on ADA-compliant hovercrafts. The space agency called these cities the “ultimate gated community,” explaining:
On Earth it is essential that diverse groups learn to live in close proximity. It’s hard to live with five or six billion homo sapiens, and some people can’t seem to do it gracefully. Space settlements offer an alternative to changing human nature or endless conflict – the ability to live in fairly homogeneous groups, as has been the norm throughout hundreds of thousands of years of human existence. Those who can’t get along can be separated by millions of miles of hard vacuum, which in some cases seems necessary. All entry into a space settlement must be through an airlock, so controlling immigration should be trivial.
Propulsion can be very pretty. Not able to catch much of the arcing electricity but trust me it’s cool.
I’m not saying I could kick butt in the robotic arm, only using the camera, Olympics but I’d definitely be in the running.
The centerpiece of the exhibit was the two sections of the International Space Station’s, Destiny Lab. In order to simulate conditions, you stand on a walkway and the sections move around you. It’s very disconcerting at first and especially if you look towards the end. No real way to capture this feeling it must be experienced.
The view from the International Space Station is pretty nice.
“Space” is available through a combination ticket that includes access to the Science Museum’s regular exhibitions, labs and demos. Admission is $22 for adults; $19 for youth (ages 6-12) and seniors (ages 60 and older); and $15 for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5). Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and through the Museums for All program. Science Museum members receive unlimited free admission to the Science Museum and the touring exhibition. Guests may purchase tickets on the Science Museum’s website or in person at Guest Services when they arrive.
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Richard Hayes is the co-founder of RVAHub. When he isn't rounding up neighborhood news, he's likely watching soccer or chasing down the latest and greatest board game.
The rumor was bouncing around and yesterday it became official with an Instagram post. Citizen Burger is no more.
What an amazing run! After 7 years in this location, it is time for someone new to give it a go. Things have changed so much since we opened, including buying this historic building, opening new concepts in Cville, partnering on more projects here, getting married, having a kid, going through a pandemic…just about everything that can change has.
The staff here was actually some of the best I have ever seen, and anyone would be lucky to partner with them. I thank you all. Sincerely.
It’s no secret that after Covid we went through a challenging period. It was so so hard. There’s no right answer in these transition situations, nothing is real until it is already done, but I know for sure that this decision had nothing to do with this staff.
While I am proud of everyone, it would be inappropriate not to single out Ernesto Gonzalez. When you’ve been doing this a long time, you know when someone is special and is going to go far, and this is one of those people. There were so many stand outs, but Kyle, Travis, Tony, Alex, Sam, and Ruthie helped make the place. I know people were drinking during our sendoff, but they gushed about all of you and I was so proud.
A number of the staff recently announced that they have an exciting new concept in the works, an idea that will be new to Richmond and I can’t wait to see it. As I told many of you, if I had a new place right now I would pitch this entire team to move to it. I apologize for not being able to.
We also want to thank our amazingly supportive guests. Carytown has been a special place for us. Thank you so much for the support over the years.
Most of you know what we try to do here with local and responsible products, and thanking hard working local suppliers is always warranted. Our 100% grass finished Timbercreek beef is second to none. The completely natural buns from ABC are the perfect compliment to the pasture raised beef. The Mountainview farm cheese always makes me smile. And what hasn’t been said about Sugar and Salt. Lastly, the local beer support was super strong with this one. There are many more, I thank you all, we thank you all. We thank everyone.
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Vinyals Returns – Nil Vinyals came off the bench last Saturday so barring a training setback he should be in the starting lineup. With the midfielder back in action expect the midfield to look better and hopefully more in control of the ball. In theory that control should lead to more transition into attack and more goals.
Everyone Scores – So far this year seven different Kickers have scored, with midfielder João Silva leading the pack with 3. The latest goal was a beautiful Olympico but Sukow that must be seen to be believed. Don’t whine at me that it was a cross. It goes into the books as a goal and will be celebrated as such. So far 8 goals have been produced by the midfielders and defenders. Meanwhile our forwards, you know the guys paid to put the ball in the net have racked up 4 goals.
Hot Ticket – It does my jaded heart good to see the amount of support in the stands the team is getting this year. Every game so far has had over 5,000 in attendance. This is well over the 3,500 or so we averaged last year. I’m not sure what switch flipped in the community but I’m glad to see it happen. The drawback is longer lines for food and drink but the Kickers are addressing that with more trucks. If you’re looking for a drink don’t forget there are multiple beer stations you don’t have to go straight for the building in the center of the concourse.
Prediction
The Kickers had a tremendous season last year until their first playoff game. In that game, despite being a man up for the majority of the game they ended up losing to Chattanooga by a goal. The fans, coaches and certainly the players remember the night a little too well. A win would have meant hosting the Championship Game in City Stadium, instead, it ended with a crushing defeat. Revenge will be on everyone’s mind and Chattanooga is not having a great season. The Red Wolves sit in second to last place and have a -8 goal differential. If ever there was a time for the Kickers to rack up some goals and get their scoring mojo flowing this is it. I predict it will happen.
Kickers 3 – Chattanooga 0
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Sea Suite Cruises RVA is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest cruise experience, Tiki Club RVA (seasuitecruises.com/tiki-club/richmond-va), officially debuting on the James River at Rocketts Landing for the summer and fall season on Saturday, June 3, 2023 — which also happens to be the start of National Fishing and Boating Week across the country. Following the success of the first season of Paddle Club RVA (seasuitecruises.com/paddle-club/richmond-va) in 2022, the team behind Sea Suite Cruises RVA is excited to bring this fun and unique recreational boating experience to residents and visitors of Richmond.
Tiki Club RVA offers a one-of-a-kind “tropical vibes” excursion on the scenic and historic James River. Step aboard the custom-built, 40-foot tiki boat, complete with bamboo trimmings, a thatched roof, and a tiki bar that you can stock with your favorite BYOB drinks and snacks. Available for private charters and public tours, Tiki Club RVA is built for 30 passengers, and accommodates both single-passenger or small group tickets as well as private parties. Similar to Paddle Club RVA, Tiki Club RVA cruises are an hour and 45 minutes in duration.
With music, drinks, and water views of nature and the city skyline, Tiki Club RVA is a memorable way to sight-see along one of Richmond’s biggest attractions – the James River – with friends or family. “With the addition of Tiki Club RVA, along with Paddle Club RVA, we can’t wait to give Richmonders even more fun and relaxing ways to soak up the sun and experience the water,” said Mike Scearce, General Manager of Sea Suite Cruises RVA.
Whether you’re looking for a day out with friends, a unique date idea, a festive way to celebrate a birthday party, an outing idea for a bachelor or bachelorette party or corporate gathering, or just want to get out on the James River, Tiki Club RVA and Paddle Club RVA are where it’s going to be in 2023.
ABOUT SEA SUITE CRUISES: Sea Suite Cruises co-founders Jack Maher and Jack Walten (“The Jacks,” as they are known) were born and raised in Arlington, Va. and have been best friends since they were two years old. The business-side of their journey began in 2018 when the then 24-year-old Jack and Jack launched Potomac Paddle Club, the first pontoon “cycleboat” in Washington, D.C. After adding more boats in Washington, D.C., they built on their success further in 2022 by partnering with local Richmond-based investors to launch Paddle Club RVA and form the parent company, Sea Suite Cruises. Sea Suite Cruises’ mission is to connect exciting people in exciting places around a suite of water-based offerings. After a successful first year in Richmond, the company has now expanded to further locations in the Mid-Atlantic such as The Wharf, Navy Yard, and Alexandria, Va. in the D.C. area, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and Annapolis.
CRUISE DETAILS: Group Size: Up to 30 people (available for both single ticket purchases or to rent the entire boat for a private party) Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
PRICING*: Monday-Wednesday: $40/Person Thursday: $45/Person Friday-Saturday: $55/Person Sunday: $50/person *Pricing may change for holiday weekends and special events
PICKUP + DROPOFF LOCATION: 4708 Old Main St, Richmond, VA. 23231 | On the dock at Rocketts Landing beneath The Boathouse restaurant and Island Shrimp Co.
MISC: — Bathroom: The vessel comes equipped with a private bathroom on board — Boat is equipped with Bluetooth-speakers, party lighting for night cruises, and built-in coolers + ice — Tiki Boat RVA tours are BYOB (hard liquor not allowed, only beer, wine, seltzer, or canned cocktails) — All cruises are staffed by a licensed master captain and deckhand
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We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.
