Explore the Earth
Clark Planetarium features three floors of free, hands-on, interactive exhibits. Indulge your curiosity as you experiment and play with the exhibits, and discover new ways to understand our world, space, the solar system, and beyond.
The Forces that Shape our Ever‑Changing Planet
From wind, water, volcanoes, and earthquakes to cosmic impacts, the Earth is a dynamic planet.
Earth Exhibits
Restless Planet
Step inside a giant tornado, make a rocket soar, or get your group together to make the biggest possible earthquake! Pause for a moment to watch as the turning earth causes a peg to get knocked down in our Foucault Pendulum exhibit. Observe our 6’ Rand McNally Earth Globe and touch real geological specimens from key periods in Earth’s past.
RESTLESS PLANET FACT:
More than 80% of the Earth’s surface is volcanic in origin.
Impact!
Earth is constantly bombarded by objects from space. Partner with someone to Defend the Earth from these threats in our epic game to repel asteroids. This exhibit space features Clark Planetarium’s impressive meteorite collection, including the second-largest meteorite on display west of the Mississippi 
—a 1700 lb Nantan that you can touch! This gallery also features a Martian meteorite and one of the largest pieces of the K-pg (formerly KT) boundary on display anywhere.
IMPACT FACT:
When a meteoroid hits the atmosphere of Earth, it can be traveling as fast as 130,000 MPH (209,215 km).
The Moon
The brightest and largest object in the night sky, Earth’s moon is the only place beyond Earth where humans have set foot. Gaze at one of the largest real moon rocks on public display, as well as experience how the phases of the Moon work. Try your hand at one of our Lunar Lander exhibits to experience the forces of gravity, acceleration and inertia.
Moon FACT:
Our Moon is the fifth largest moon in the solar system.