Natural History Museum

Members of AstrobiologyOU have helped shape the Natural History Museum’s. exhibition: Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? Opening Friday 16 May, this immersive experience explores one of humanity’s greatest questions—are we alone in the universe?

The exhibition’s science has been guided by an Advisory Board featuring Karen Olsson-Francis, alongside external astrobiology specialists Angus Aldis, Hannah Cooper, Jessica Hogan, Alvaro del Moral, Nisha Ramkissoon, and Ben Tatton.

From touching a piece of the Moon to snapping a selfie with a fragment of Mars, guests can enjoy over 60 incredible objects, including never-before-seen space rocks and the parachute NASA used to practice asteroid Bennu’s return to Earth. Interactive games, smell pods recreating the scents of space, and hands-on activities make this a truly out-of-this-world day for families.

Museum scientists are at the forefront of space exploration, working with global agencies to decode the solar system. Earlier this year, their research on asteroid Bennu revealed that asteroids like Bennu and Ryugu were likely the first deliverers of water to Earth—an essential ingredient for life.

Image credits: Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London