Are We Alone? Alien Worlds and Androids Boldy Asks

Hartford, CT, Oct. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blast off to a world where science fiction meets science fact. The Connecticut Science Center’s newest traveling exhibit, Alien Worlds and Androids , addresses the question man has spent decades searching to answer – are we alone? The blockbuster exhibit blends pop-culture with cutting-edge science taking place right now at NASA and its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

“Our traveling exhibit gallery gives us the ability to feature fascinating and different ways to look at various fields of science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Matt Fleury, Connecticut Science Center President, and CEO. “The research presented in Alien Worlds and Androids combined with iconic robots, androids and superheroes from popular sci-fi films is sure to excite and inspire visitors of all ages.” 

Alien Worlds and Androids presents the numerous ways scientists have studied the possibility of life existing beyond Earth – from the use of telescopes to space probes. This fascinating exhibit, produced by GES, invites visitors of all ages to explore nine interactive areas: Are We Alone, Looking for Life in Space, Alien Life on Earth, Artificial Intelligence and Robots, Robot Space Explorers, Explore the Solar System, The Robotization of Planet Earth, I-Cyborg, and The Human Microbiome.

Sci-fi fans of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to come face to face with robots made popular by movies like Star Wars and Iron Man, among others. Life-size replicas of Iron Man, C-3PO, and R2D2 from Star Wars movies and a replica T-800 bust from The Terminator franchise pose educational discussion points and “selfie” photo opportunities. Star Trek fans will smile when they spy the jacket Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) wore in the 2009 film Star Trek: Into Darkness . Visitors are encouraged to build an alien, touch a meteorite, operate a robotic arm, and sit in a POD to experience the feeling of the amazing journey Mars rover Curiosity endured to land on the red planet.

The exhibit Media Sponsor, Xfinity, sees the opportunity to support the traveling exhibit as a natural fit with ties to the technology and entertainment platforms that Xfinity delivers. “Xfinity is thrilled to be the media sponsor of Alien Worlds and Androids exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center, where innovation and creativity come together,” said Michael Parker, regional senior vice president for Comcast’s Western New England Region, which includes Connecticut.  “We’ve been long-time supporters of the Connecticut Science Center, which brings the community exhibits and programs that ignites curiosity in a fun and exciting way -- just like Xfinity makes TV viewing simple, easy and fun for our customers.”

In conjunction with the new exhibit, the Connecticut Science Center has planned an exciting line-up of events this fall to appeal to all ages. Planned activities include the return of popular events, Robotics Weekend and Spooktacular Science Weekend (geared for families), and Liquid Lounge: Close Encounters for the over 21 crowd. Additionally, the traveling exhibit will be featured in the Science Center’s Women in Science Initiative. On October 26, the Women in Science Initiative will present, Conscious Artificial Intelligence? A Discussion with Dr. Susan Schneider . A complete list of events and programs can be found at CTScienceCenter.org.

Alien Worlds and Androids is possible thanks to Media Sponsor, Xfinity, and will be on display in the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Traveling Exhibit Gallery on the Connecticut Science Center’s fourth floor from September 30, 2017, to January 7, 2018. Alien Worlds and Androids is included with General Admission or Science Center Membership. For more information on ticket prices, group rates, or Science Center membership, visit CTScienceCenter.org .

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About the Connecticut Science Center: The LEED-Gold certified Connecticut Science Center, located in downtown Hartford, sparks creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, minds-on interactive experiences while maintaining an environmentally conscious presence. Serving over 2.5 million people since opening in 2009, the Science Center features more than 165 exhibits in ten galleries covering a range of topics, including space and earth sciences, physical sciences, biology, the Connecticut River watershed, alternative energy sources, Connecticut inventors and innovations, a children’s gallery, and much more. Other features include four educational labs, a 200-seat 3D digital theater, function room, gift store, and ongoing events for all ages. The Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of Connecticut and New England, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration. The Connecticut Science Center is also the home to the Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers , offering powerful Professional Development for educators. More information: CTScienceCenter.org or (860) SCIENCE.

About GES:   GES, a Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI) company, is a global, full-service provider for live events, producing corporate events, exhibitions, conferences, congresses, exhibits and entertainment experiences. GES provides a wide-range of services, including official show services, audio visual, cutting-edge creative and design, marketing and measurement services, and event accommodations – all with an unrivaled global reach. GES partners with leading shows and brands, including Mary Kay, Spring Fair Birmingham, MAGIC, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, and Canadian International Auto Show. GES’ National Servicenter® has been recognized with certification under the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Call Center Program℠ for the past nine years, and for the eighth year in a row, Ad Age has named GES as one of the Nation’s Largest Experiential/Event Marketing Agency Networks.  For more information visit www.ges.com.

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Tracy Shirer Connecticut Science Center (860) 520-2116 tshirer@ctsciencecenter.org