Toronto - On June 9, 2008, the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto will launch its new exhibition FACING MARS. Featuring interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to “walk on Mars”, test and launch rockets and “fly over” the Martian landscape. This thought-provoking exhibition was entirely developed by the Ontario Science Centre in consultation with leading experts from the field of space exploration.

FACING MARS is an innovative exhibition focused on the real challenges of sending human explorers to Mars and will be a mainstay at the Ontario Science Centre until January 4, 2009. With more than 30 exhibits, FACING MARS combines a range of hands-on experiences with compelling artifacts, such as a rare Mars meteorite from West Africa, and stunning imagery to engage participants in the real physical, psychological and scientific challenges involved in journeying to Mars.

“The passion and curiosity of the engineers and scientists we met, has given a tremendous boost to this exhibition. Learning about how they are attempting to understand both Mars and the challenges that long space flights represent was truly inspirational for us, and really helped drive the development of the exhibition,” said Dr. Devon Hamilton, the Content Coordinator for FACING MARS.

Designed to educate and entertain audiences nine years of age and older, FACING MARS addresses head-turning questions such as: “What happens to your face in space?”, “How can you protect astronauts from cosmic rays and solar radiation?” and “Who would you choose for a Mars crew?” Visitors will become a rocket scientist for the day and explore the challenges of aerodynamic stability. They will experience what it's like “to walk on Mars” at an exhibit that subtracts 60 percent of their weight to simulate Martian gravity. Visitors will also explore some of the potential psychological and emotional stresses that astronauts may face on their journey, examining how contagious emotions can be and discovering where their own personal space threshold lies.

The exhibits are built with monochromatic, unfinished metal and wood creating a clean, unadorned framework for the challenging activities. Juxtaposed with these hard-edged structures are two large, inflatable domes that emphasize the contrasting scales – metaphorical and physical – that exist in space exploration. The domes will serve as spaces for reflection and dialogue, presenting some of the more abstract questions such as “Could there be Life? How will we know?” and “Should we go?”

“Our inspiration for the design comes from the contrast of the utilitarian and very functional look of space exploration, versus the smooth, unknown, amorphous nature of endless space,” said Senior Designer Aylin Doyle.

Visitors will take the spotlight in this monochromatic environment, reflecting the fact that the greatest challenges in the journey to Mars are human ones. Through the creative use of lighting and sensory cues, visitors will place themselves in the roles of astronauts confronting myriad challenges of exploring Mars.

When visitors arrive at the exhibition's entrance they will be asked the seemingly simple question "Would You Go To Mars?" and their responses will be digitally counted as they enter through a YES or NO gate. By posing a personal question, this initial experience sets the tone for the entire exhibition, which swiftly delves into the deeper, more fundamental issues involved in exploring Mars. At the exhibition's exit, the question is repeated: “Would You Still Go to Mars?” -- this time eliciting from visitors a more reflective answer. In challenging visitors to bring their own perspectives to the human toll of long space voyages as well as engaging them in the complex engineering and science involved, FACING MARS will take visitors on an inspiring personal, practical and philosophical voyage of discovery.

Roving Mars

On June 9, 2008, to complement the new FACING MARS exhibit, the Ontario Science Centre’s IMAX Theatre will also begin featuring the documentary Roving Mars. This film follows the journey of NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity to the surface of the mysterious Red Planet.

Ticket Sales

Advanced ticket sales for FACING MARS will be available on April 12, 2008. Exhibition prices —that include admission to the Science Centre are $20.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors and youths and $12.00 for children. In addition there will be a special combo package to include admission to the Centre, FACING MARS and Roving Mars. Science Centre members can visit the exhibition for free. The exhibition will be open for visitors during regular Ontario Science Centre hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every day.

Second Annual Innovators’ Ball

To kick-off the inception of FACING MARS and celebrate innovation at its best, on May 29th, 2008 the Science Centre will host its second annual Innovators’ Ball themed as Rock the Red Planet. Guests of this gala will enjoy cuisine by renowned chef Susur Lee, Mars-inspired drinks and décor, and they will get to be of the first to experience this remarkable attraction. For more information and ticket sales, please visit: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/innovatorsball.

The Ontario Science Centre uses science as the lens to inspire and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding and thinking about themselves and the world. The Centre is also a leading developer of interactive exhibitions for science centres around the world. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, please visit: www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.