Science on a Sphere
NOAA animated global projection globe
A room-sized animated projection globe displaying Earth and planets in stunning motion!
Science on a Sphere is an extraordinary 1.73-meter spherical projection system invented by researchers at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Suspended seemingly weightless in mid-air, the glowing orb transforms real-time satellite telemetry into dynamic planetary animations.
Exhibition Highlights
- Giant 1.73-meter diameter sphere suspended in mid-air with seamless 360° projection
- Live global satellite weather data, cloud cover, and storm tracking
- Dynamic planetary models of Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and our Moon
- Global air traffic flight radar heatmaps and commercial shipping corridors
Hands-on Discovery Stations
Daily animated presentations and interactive planetary science modules:
Global Climate & Ocean Current Feed
Observe the Gulf Stream, El Niño thermal oscillations, and polar sea-ice extent rendered from daily satellite measurements.
Solar System Planetary Explorer
Transform the globe into Mars with its towering Olympus Mons volcano, or Jupiter with its swirling centuries-old Great Red Spot.
Global Air Traffic Visualization
Watch hundreds of thousands of commercial flight paths trace glowing web networks across continents in a 24-hour cycle.
Centennial Earthquake History
Replay a century of recorded earthquakes to see seismic shockwaves outline tectonic plate boundaries with glowing rings.
Scientific Principles & Phenomena
Presents global atmospheric thermodynamics, oceanic thermohaline circulation, plate tectonics, planetary climatology, and comparative planetology.
Four high-powered digital video projectors surround the sphere, blending four separate camera frustums into an unbroken, distortion-corrected spherical texture. As presenters spin the virtual Earth with wireless controllers, observe how equatorial warming drives atmospheric Hadley cells and creates trade winds.
Did you know?
Astronauts often describe the "Overview Effect"—a profound psychological shift when seeing our fragile planet from space with no borders. Science on a Sphere brings that same awe directly to Heureka's visitors.
Exhibit Highlights & History
Developed by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Heureka was the first science center in Northern Europe to feature this ground-breaking projection installation.
Other exhibitions at Science Center
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Main Exhibition Area
The vibrant core of discovery at Science Center
Over 200 interactive science installations spanning physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and human senses.
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OUTDOOR PARK
Exhibitions Outdoors – Science Park Galilei
Science Park Galilei alongside Keravanjoki river
Experience outdoor physics, giant sound mirrors, water locks, and botanical rock gardens in the picturesque Science Park Galilei alongside Keravanjoki river.