Humans have a natural curiosity about outer space; it is a topic that always generates questions and discussions from visitors of all ages. We are excited about this exhibit because it is a unique outlet for those natural curiosities.

At the Astronomy: It's a Blast! exhibit, you will experience for yourself the physics of how we get to space. You will also learn about the planets, sun, moon, asteroids, and other things found in space.

Experiment with launching both air-powered and water-powered rockets. These exhibits are designed to encourage competition to see who can launch a rocket the highest. Discover how thin Earth’s atmosphere is by comparing terrestrial distances to the altitudes of different layers of the atmosphere. Find out how high the space shuttle flies? Test your skill by landing a space shuttle on a runway. Investigate the affect of a vacuum on the human body.

Astronomy: It's a Blast! addresses misconceptions and myths that you may have about outer space. We want you to understand what space is really like and that we are actually a part of it.

This exhibit was developed by the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs in partnership with Texarkana Museums System in Texarkana. It will open in Texarkana summer of 2009. This science exhibition ties in with Arkansas Science Curriculum Frameworks at multiple grade levels.