With the wide open skies we have in Indiana, it's hard not to have your eyes on them. If you've ever wondered about the night sky, visit these seven space-themed attractions in the Hoosier State that will teach you all about them. Check them all out:
1. Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana
Learn how astronauts prepare for space at this interactive museum that promotes STEM learning for grades 5-8. You'll either go to the space station or stay at mission control to ensure the operation goes smoothly. Holiday events and more make any visit even more exciting.
Address: 2076, 2300 173rd Street, Hammond, IN, 46323
2. Charles W. Brown Planetarium
Situated at Ball State University, this 52-foot dome shows visitors much more than just the night sky. Projections of Mars, Saturn's rings, and so much more will fly before your eyes.
Address: Ball State University, 2111 West Riverside Avenue, Muncie, IN, 47306
3. Joshua Tree Earth & Space Museum
Editor's Note: Joshua Tree Earth & Space Museum is temporarily closed.
This museum brings space to earth by showcasing a myriad of meteorites, moon rocks, and much more. There are also earth rocks like crystals, fossils, lightning fulgurites, and minerals to see, and the best part is when they are put under special lighting and glow. Get more details about this unique place here.
Address: 106 South Michigan Street, Lakeville, IN, 46536
4. Science Central
There are all sorts of wonderful exhibits at this northern Indiana museum but one of the best is Science On A Sphere, which is a six-foot globe that rotates in mid-air showing the real-time weather patterns around the world. It may make you feel like you're in space looking down on the earth.
Address: 1950 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46805
5. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Learn all about the history of NASA at a special exhibit located within this popular museum. Beyond Spaceship Earth is an interactive experience that tells the tale of the Project Mercury Program and shows kids what it is like to be an actual astronaut.
Address: 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46208
6. Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium
Editor's Note: Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium is temporarily closed.
One of the largest public space observatories in the world, this dome houses a 38-inch telescope. It was built in 1954 and is kept in top condition.
Address: 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46208
7. The Knightridge Space Observatory
Built in the 1930s, this two-story dome hidden in the woods of southern Indiana was once a working space observatory but is now abandoned. Though it is filled with graffiti and fallen branches and leaves, it is still a reminder of the Hoosier State's history and dedication to observing and studying the stars and what lies beyond. Click here to learn more.
Address: 4000 East Lampkins Ridge Road, Bloomington, IN, 47401
For more like this, check out these 11 popular field trip destinations in Indiana that every Hoosier will remember from childhood.
What other space-themed attractions do you like to visit in Indiana? Share your favorites with us below in the comments.
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