NASA and Smithsonian Launch Earth Information Center to Shed Light on Climate Change

In an effort to increase public engagement and understanding of our planet's intricate systems and the pressing issue of climate change, NASA has collaborated with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to launch a new exhibit called the Earth Information Center. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and senior leadership from both institutions inaugurated this visionary exhibit in Washington, marking a stride towards better accessibility to crucial environmental data.

Amidst rising concerns about our planet's health, the Earth Information Center represents a groundbreaking effort from NASA, an organization with over 60 years of experience studying the Earth and its climate. The core of the exhibit is a 32-foot-long video wall that towers at 12 feet high, depicting engaging Earth science data visualizations. On Oct. 8, doors opened to the public, inviting them to a visual narrative of Earth's beauty and the stark transformations it faces.

This collaboration between the Smithsonian and NASA not just simplifies access to complex data but also aims to foster actionable insights for museum visitors. With a slew of interactive experiences, the exhibit allows visitors to delve into Earth observing missions and to visualize the dramatic shifts in our planet's landscapes and climates over time.

Karen St. Germain, Earth Sciences Division Director at NASA, emphasized that the center provides a unique perspective to encounter Earth—as witnessed from NASA's vantage point, with its rich tapestry of interconnected oceans, land, ice, and atmospheric systems.

NASA's fleet of more than two dozen satellites provides crucial data on how our planet's various components interact and influence each other. Their commitment extends beyond observation; it resides in the heart of sharing and collaborating on a global scale. This is demonstrated through NASA's existing Earth Information Center at the Headquarters, and now, through the Smithsonian extension, reaching a wider audience with enhanced physical interaction.

Broadening the scope of the center's virtual and physical spaces, NASA aims to empower informed decisions on Earth’s environment and climate issues by providing easily accessible information. The Earth Information Center draws on collective insights from all NASA centers and its federal partners, including organizations from NOAA to FEMA, showcasing a concerted effort to combat environmental challenges.

The Earth Information Center at the National Museum of Natural History will stand as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration until 2028, shaping the perspectives and actions of countless individuals toward our changing world. This partnership is a testament to NASA and the Smithsonian's dedication to environmental education and a sustainable future for the planet.