The Mars Exploration Rover came from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. This full scale model is an example of current technology that has been exploring Mars since 2004. When two of these golf cart sized robotic rovers originally landed nearly eight years ago, they were only supposed to complete a 90 day mission. They both lasted longer than expected. In fact, the rover known as “Opportunity” is still exploring Martian terrain and increasing our knowledge of Mars.

(L) Plasma ball 2012 (R) Plasma ball 1993

For the first time in it’s history, Clark Planetarium, has a plasma ball. Visitors may remember the plasma ball that used to grace the floor of the old Hansen Planetarium nearly a decade ago. A new generation of children and adults can place their hands on the ball and watch science happen at the touch of a finger. The plasma globe contains Neon and Xenon gas under very low pressure. A high frequency transformer increases the voltage from 110 V to several thousand volts. The purple/pink plasma will follow your hand because your body provides a path for the energy from the ball to the ground.

The next time you’re in the area swing by and see these new exhibits. Clark Planetarium’s exhibit are always free. For hours of operation please click here.

Soon Logan will be headed to Alabama to see what it’s like to train like a real astronaut. When I asked him if I could take his picture to share with our audience he responded, “Yes, but I want to take it on Mars…I want to be the first person to walk on Mars.”

Sometimes big inspiration comes in small packages. I’m glad I got to shake Logan’s hand and think he’d make a fantastic astronaut.

Logan and his family pose for a photo on the Marsscape exhibit. Soon he will fulfill his wish to go to Space Camp.

10. Free exhibits: With over 10,000 sq. ft. of exhibits to explore, this is a great no cost activity that can easily entertain visitors for a couple of hours.

9. Summer Camp: Back by popular demand, the “How to Build and Use a Telescope Camp” is a 3 day intensive 3-day astronomy camp for kids ages 12 – 17 that includes lots of hands-on instruction and a 6-inch Dobsonian telescope.

8. Matinee Theatre Tickets: All shows in the ATK IMAX and Hansen Dome Theater are just $6 before 5 p.m. every day. A complete list of show times is available here.

7. Rockets!: Planet Fun Clark Planetarium Store has  a wide variety of engine, chemical reaction and air powered rockets. Summer is a great time for building rockets and then getting a group together to launch them to see who’s will fly the farthest.

6. Star Parties: Our friends at the Salt Lake Astronomical Society have free public star parties on a regular basis. A complete schedule is available on the club’s website.

5. Connect Pass: If you are looking to experience a multitude of venues over a period of up to three days, the “Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass” allows you to visit Clark Planetarium and 12 other area venues for $40 for adults and $32 for children.

4. Bug Catchers: Explore the wonders of your backyard and beyond while collecting bugs. Planet Fun has a wide array of butterfly pavilions, beetle barns and other bug catching containers.

3. Build your own planisphere: Download materials from the planetarium’s website to help find constellations in the nighttime sky.

2. Cosmic Light Shows: Cheaper than a concert and a great activity for date night, Cosmic Light Shows (complete with lasers and other special effects) play nightly in the Hansen Dome Theatre and feature artists like U2 and Pink Floyd.

1. Memberships: The best value for those who like to visit Clark Planetarium on a regular basis. Members get in to all IMAX and Dome theatre shows free for one year plus great discounts at Planet Fun, concessions and more.