"Facing Mars: Would You Survive the Journey"

Experience what it would be like to walk on the red planet

Comments (0) By Julia Ramey Thursday, Jul 2 2009

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Humankind has often looked to the Red Planet, curious about what it might be like to walk its surface. But one serious moment spent thinking about how much it would actually suck to careen through the cold vastness of space for three years or so, stuck in a claustrophobic tin can of a spaceship, takes a bit of the luster off the dream. "Facing Mars: Would You Survive the Journey?"is a new exhibition at the Health Museum meant to demonstrate the effect such a trip would have on a human traveler. You can test your limits with exhibits featuring tight spaces and spinning chairs, not to mention way too many details on what prolonged exposure to microgravity does to your musculoskeletal system. One highlight to the exhibition is a contraption that allows you to simulate walking on Mars via a harness and a counterweight system. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Through September 7. 1515 Hermann Drive. For information, call 713-521-1515 or visit www.thehealthmuseum.org. Free to $8.
June 25-Sept. 7, 2009