Idaho Museum of Natural History to host “Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds" traveling exhibit

The museum will host an opening event for families on May 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Discover Exoplanets” covers topics such as the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system, how NASA scientists are searching for these worlds and how they may be like our own.

Getting people interested in science can be a challenge, but “Discover Exoplanets” strives to make it fun with hands-on, multimedia activities where visitors can build their own solar systems, see the most recent NASA discoveries and learn about whether popular TV and movies feature “science fact or science fiction."

A more unique aspect of this program is that Portneuf District Library is hosting an exhibit with similar content, and the two venues will be working together on programming. The Idaho Museum of Natural History will also offer a related series of public events to bring STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming to children, teens and adults.

“We are proud that the IMNH was selected to be one of seven sites nationwide to host the Discover Exoplanet exhibit," said Leif Tapanila, museum director. "We have partnered with Portneuf District Library to bring this important exhibition to our community. We think people of all ages and backgrounds will find that the exhibition explores the universe, and our place in it, in a way that is understandable, inspirational, and relevant."

The Idaho Museum of Natural History is located on the Idaho State University Pocatello campus. The museum has been serving Idaho since 1934. To learn more about the museum visit imnh.isu.edu. For more information call 208-282-3168.

“Discover Exoplanets” was developed by the Space Science Institute's National Center for Interactive Learning in partnership with NASA's Universe of Learning. This project was made possible through support from NASA.