Night Skies with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts

Join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for a special edition of Night Skies @ Home, where we explore the fascinating science of how space travel affects the human body in celebration of the upcoming opening of the Body Odyssey exhibit and the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Wondrous Space exhibit.  

As astronauts journey beyond Earth's atmosphere into low or zero-gravity environments, profound changes occur—from the way they sit, walk, and breathe to shifts at the cellular level.  

During the live event, Pitts will discuss how prolonged exposure to space impacts key systems like bone cells, the cardiovascular system, muscular strength, and even the pressure in the ears and eyes. You'll also gain insights into the different effects on the human body when comparing shorter missions of one month versus year-long stays aboard space stations.