Why does NASA study our oceans?
Join us for an extraordinary week-long event, “Seas to Stars: Collaborations Make Waves,” where we spotlight the incredible ways NASA partners with organizations around the globe to monitor and protect our precious oceans. This special event runs from June 1st to June 8th, ending with a celebration for World Oceans Day on June 8th.
Did you know that the ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and holds about 97% of its surface water? NASA is dedicated to understanding the total Earth system and the impact of both natural and human-induced changes on our global environment. Our oceans play a pivotal role in shaping the world’s climate and weather patterns.
Come aboard and embark on this enlightening journey with us! Discover how NASA’s groundbreaking work is linked with our oceans to ensure a healthier planet. From fascinating hands-on science labs to engaging talks, this event promises to be an ocean of knowledge and inspiration.
World Oceans Day Panel
1:00pm – 2:00pm | Destiny Theater
Dr. Megan McArthur
NASA Astronaut
Trevor Graff
Chief Scientist for Jacobs
Grier Wilt
CAPCOM and Spacewalk Flight Controller and Instructor
NASA astronauts undergo rigorous training in the ocean as part of their preparation for space missions. This underwater training simulates the microgravity environment of space, allowing astronauts to practice maneuvering, conducting experiments, and performing repairs on spacecraft.
Special Presentation – Sensing with Independent Micro-Swimmers (SWIM)
Dr. Ethan Schaler
12:00pm & 3:15pm | Destiny Theater
Satellite Tracking of Sharks in Gulf of Mexico
Destiny Theater | 2:15pm
Ms. Landes Randall
Program CoordinatorTexas A&M University
Join Texas A&M’s Gulf Research Institute for Highly Migratory Species for a special presentation on the latest findings including the detection and utilization of both acoustic and satellite technologies to track multiple species of sharks throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Discover how these advanced tagging techniques provide invaluable data on shark migration patterns, habitat use, and population dynamics.
Planetarium
10am-4pm | Main Plaza
Dive into an awe inspiring adventure exploring our oceans, the mysteries beneath Earth’s ice, and breathtaking views of our planet from space!
Pop-Up Science Labs
Science Deck | All Day
Mapping Microplastics from Space
NASA tracks microplastics in our oceans. Get hands on experience with microplastics through filtering and observing sand and water samples under a microscope and learn how to help reduce ocean pollution.
Saving our Coral Reefs
Learn about threats to our coral reefs from rising temperatures and ocean acidification by interacting with different coral species and “bleach” 3D-printed corals.
Breathing Life into the Ocean
Discover the importance of phytoplankton and how NASA monitors them with satellite imaging. View live phytoplankton under a microscope.
Motion of the Ocean
Explore how NASA studies ocean currents and the effects of temperature and salinity on ocean movement. Participate in hands-on demos to see how changing currents impact the global climate.
Science of Light in the Ocean Depths
Understand how light behaves in the ocean depths and its effect on marine life evolution and bioluminescence.
Astronaut Presentations
11:30am & 1:20pm | Space Center Theater
SWIM Project Presentation
12:00pm & 2:30pm | Destiny Theater
