It’s a slightly crazy project that’s been driving the SparkOh! teams lately! They hope to be able to get as close as possible to the planet Mars… without having to leave the earth. The Frameris science center actually hopes to welcome, within its future “COSMOS” exhibition, an object like no other: a real Martian meteorite.
“This rock, which crossed our Solar System to reach the Earth, is totally unique in its size (162 x 151 x 4 mm), its weight (235 g) and above all the originality of its pattern”they explain on the SparkOh side! “It is, in fact, a piece of the largest lherzolite rock (6.9 kg) with a poecilitic texture (a crystal containing small crystals of another mineral) ever found.”
This celestial object is therefore a true witness to the history of the red planet.It holds secrets that are millions of years old and is ready to reveal the mysteries of the universe to those who come to visit. While they can’t set foot on Mars, families and astronomy enthusiasts will be able to touch the meteorite and have stars in their eyes in front of this piece of space.”
Positive results for the SparkOh! scientific adventure park in Frameries: it welcomed 5% more visitors during the carnival holidays
The dream is obviously beautiful! Making it a reality, however, will be more difficult, and impossible without the contribution of the public, invited to bring their “stone” to the building. A crowdfunding campaign has just been launched. Objective, to raise nearly 30,000 euros. “Only the support of contributors will allow us to acquire this unique object and finance its secure installation within the new exhibition dedicated to the Cosmos.”
And the teams added: “Beyond the wonder provided to visitors, this support will also allow SparkOh! to continue its educational mission, by arousing interest in astronomy, and more generally in science, among young people. Because what better way to understand the composition of the planets than to be able to touch a piece of them?
As in any crowdfunding campaign, contributions are offered in exchange for donations. These include free admissions, a “Cosmos” card with a personalized thank you certificate, subscriptions, a professional photo shoot with the meteorite in hand during its inauguration or even a VIP invitation for the latter.
“We are aware that the objective is ambitious, but we also believe that such a campaign would bring real added value to the exhibition. Our future exhibition “Cosmos” will cover in particular the following themes: the solar system, galaxies, black holes and what goes beyond the measurable and quantifiable. Having a real Martian stone, unique in its size and patterns, would make the visit even more attractive.
Determined, the teams set out to realize this cosmic quest… And cross their fingers to achieve their dream with their fingertips.
