EXHIBITION

Aristotle is the guide to the FIRST SECTION, dedicated to ancient thought, from the origins to the Dark Ages, that is characterized by the discoveries made by the Ancient Greek and by the Arabs. The age-old relationship between man and the sky is investigated, together with the first historical evidence of astronomical measurements, the Ptolemaic system and, of course, Aristotle's philosophy.
It's not true but... I believe it!
All of us have read, at least once in our lives, the horoscope based on our sign of the zodiac. And we may even have believed it, because astrological predictions often seem spot on. But is there any truth behind it all? We'll find out together.
Stones from the sky
Stones from outer space, sources of magical powers according to some or of unfathomable secrets according to others. Astronomers study them carefully for their ancient cosmic origin, as remains of the time when the Solar System was formed and as evidence of the planets' origin. We'll find unique specimen in the exhibition.

 
The SECOND SECTION presents great scientists of the past: Copernicus, Kepler, Brahe, Galileo and Newton, so contemporary in their critical thought. The birth of the scientific method is also illustrated in this part of the exhibition.
Plants and gravity
How do plants grow in outer space, orbiting around the Earth? Many experiments on board of the inhabited Space Stations have provided surprising answers to this question. An interactive exhibit simulates plant growth under special conditions, when gravity isn't the only force present: we'll be amazed by the results.
The Earth turns!
If you still have doubts about the fact that the Earth rotates, the Foucault Pendulum will convince you once and for all. Its considerable length allows it to clearly illustrate the Earth's rotation, thanks to the apparent motion of its plane of oscillation. Let's find out how it works together.
 

The THIRD SECTION, introduced by Edwin Hubble, the father of modern cosmology, is dedicated to contemporary thought, from Maxwell to Einstein: electromagnetism, relativity and the Big Bang, scientific equipment and the new form of the Universe.
A mirror on the Moon
Looking at our image in a mirror on the Moon would be a great nuisance: our reflection, made of light, moves through space at 300,000 km/s and would thus take more than two seconds to travel from the Earth to the Moon and back again. Every move we make would be reflected with two seconds' delay. Let's try out this extremely weird sensation.
The gravity well
How do planets move around the Sun? What happens if a comet gets too close to it? This special gravitational well will let us find out what happens to the orbit of a celestial body close to one, two or three stars.

The FOURTH SECTION is dedicated to future thought and to the outlook of scientific investigation over the next few years. Jocelyn Bell, who discovered (together with Hewish) the rotating neutron stars known as “pulsars”, presents this section.
A leap in space
Have you ever tried to take a jump on the Moon? You'd have to be careful, because your weight would be around six times less than on the Earth, so you'd go to great heights! Under low gravity conditions, in fact, our weight is reduced while the strength of our muscles remains unchanged, so we turn into “athletes” that can jump several metres high. It isn't at all dangerous, but a lot of fun. 
A toilet... in space
International Space Station astronauts use a toilet that's very different from ours, most of all because it's used in free fall conditions. During the exhibition, one of the museum's toilets will be set up as if it were in space, for an unforgettable experience.
 

The FIFTH and last section investigates the vast territory of fantasy and science fiction, from Verne to Star Trek. In the exhibition, guided by the Jedi Warrior of Star Wars, we'll find many of the fascinations of literary and movie fiction, which are set against science. Journeys through the stars and through time, scientific inconsistencies and intuitions.
 

AND MORE…
A wide range of activities are offered from January to June: astronomy courses for everyone, science shows, musicals, lectures with experts of CICAP (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims on the Paranormal) on astrology, fortune-telling, predictions and divinations about the future, ufology and alien contact.
Everyone will have the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity, to daydream, to admire the stars and constellations, to listen to stories about the vault of the sky and its mythology: in fact, a cycle of the most enthralling science fiction films will be presented, as well as recent publications on space: furthermore, a set of experimental activities will be available at the Star Terrace of Mount Bondone and at the Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali Planetarium.
During the Spring, a parade of the 501st Italica Garrison, the only costuming organization inspired by the Star Wars saga officially recognized by the film maker George Lucas, will animate the streets of Trento.

The complete programme is available on the website www.mtsn.tn.it