Mars by Luke Jerram

October 24, 2023 

The Franklin Institute Unveils 23-Foot Suspended Mars Sculpture 
Ahead of Wondrous Space Opening on November 4  

AWE-INSPIRING MARS SCULPTURE SUSPENDED INSIDE THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE, NOVEMBER 2-19 
AMONG SEVERAL SPACE-THEMED HAPPENINGS TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF WONDROUS SPACE 

Philadelphia. PA October 24, 2023 —The Franklin Institute will unveil Mars, a 23-foot spherical artwork created by UK artist Luke Jerram, on Thursday, November 2. Measuring 23 feet in diameter, the awe-inspiring installation is a fusion of Mars imagery, light, and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones. It will be suspended in the Atrium to celebrate the much-anticipated November 4 launch of Wondrous Space.  

Made from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data and featuring 120 dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface at an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimeter of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometers of the surface of Mars. It allows for a view of Mars from the air, as though one were satellite mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano, and mountain laid bare to inspect and imagine what it’s like to set foot on the incredible red planet.  

In addition to the suspended Mars artwork, The Franklin Institute announces a series of space-themed happenings to celebrate the launch of Wondrous Space.  

Wondrous Space Opening Weekend     
November 4 - 5 
Celebrate the opening weekend of TFI’s newest core exhibit with experiences designed to further curiosity for space and beyond. The science of thrust, propulsion, and equal and opposite reactions take center stage for the launch of Wondrous Space with a celebratory Ball Pit Ball Launch at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Inside Wondrous Space, science presenters guide guests through visualizing the experience of being pulled into a black hole. Guided tours every 30 minutes from 12-3:00 p.m. in the newly reopened Holt & Miller Observatory allow guests to safely observe the sun and other celestial objects. The first 250 guests to visit Wondrous Space on Saturday and Sunday will receive a commemorative foam space shuttle.  

SCIENCE MATTERS Conversation Lab: Searching for Life Beyond Earth  
Wednesday, November 15 | 6:00 pm-9:00 pm 
Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts invites Dr. David Grinspoon, Senior Scientist for Astrobiology Strategy at NASA, to delve into the complexities of searching for habitable planets in the vast expanse of the universe. Participants will assume the role of astrobiologists analyzing real data from distant worlds and then discuss the significance of finding extraterrestrial life. $20 non-members; $10 members. Tickets at fi.edu. Includes access to the new Wondrous Space exhibit.  

Space Podcast! Curious Cosmos with Derrick Pitts  
New Episodes Every Tuesday through November 14 
Dive deeper than ever with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for a behind-the-scenes tour of space. This new podcast brings to light the personal stories, dreams, and challenges of those who dedicate their lives to understanding and exploring the cosmos—from astronomers to educators and engineers to storytellers. Enhanced by immersive sound design and anchored by Derrick's captivating energy, listeners will be transported into the lives of passionate individuals who truly shape our understanding of space. Guests include Chris Ferguson, Mary Roach, Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, and more.  

The Boeing Company is the lead sponsor of Wondrous Space. The Franklin Institute received funding to promote the exhibit from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, dedicated to inspiring travel to Pennsylvania. From iconic attractions to hidden gems, tourism in Pennsylvania helps support the state’s economy and creates jobs for local businesses – all while improving residents’ quality of life. 

About The Franklin Institute 
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.