Discover the Invisible Shield That Protects Earth
When
Inside NASA’s IMAP Mission: STEM Outreach Event
Inside NASA’s IMAP Mission: STEM Outreach Event
Discover the Invisible Shield That Protects Earth
Saturday, January 17, 2026
1601 E University Blvd.
10:00AM to 4:00PM
NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) is an active space mission now operating in space, studying the vast, invisible bubble created by the Sun that surrounds and protects Earth and other planets in our solar system. This region, called the heliosphere, shields Earth from harmful cosmic radiation and plays a vital role in shaping space weather that can affect satellites, astronauts, and the technology we rely on every day.
Through hands-on activities and special presentations, visitors will explore how the IMAP mission is mapping the distant boundary where our solar system meets interstellar space, billions of miles away. Learn how the mission is already improving our understanding of solar storms, helping protect space-based infrastructure, and supporting future human exploration beyond Earth.
Image: IMAP Press Kit
Admission*
- All IMAP activities are included with regular science center admission of $11 - $27
- $4 -7 for EBT cardholders (in-person)
- Free - $5 for Flandrau members
*Price ranges shown depend on if you add planetarium show tickets to your visit
Hosted STEM Activities
Mission Information & Modeling the Heliosphere
In this activity, participants use a stream of water and an image to model the shape and flow of the heliosphere. Nearby, uncover information about the IMAP mission itself and its objectives.
Location: Main Exhibit Hall
I Spy IMAP & Communicating in Color
I Spy IMAP: In this activity, participants use their senses to make careful observations of the IMAP picture as they try to find items from a search list.
Communicating in Color: In this activity, participants use light up peg boards to color code simulated numeric data, creating a map of the numbers of particles called Energetic Neutral Atoms, or ENAs, that travel toward the Sun from the heliosphere boundary. Participants will be able to connect their pegboards together to form a larger portion of the map.
Location: Galaxy Room
Mystery Matter
This interactive demonstration has participants examine the characteristics of three of the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and introduces them to a fourth state of matter, plasma, and its connection to the Sun. It also provides an overview of the IMAP mission to map the boundary of the solar system, which is formed by plasma.
For younger explorers, a STEM coloring page station will be nearby this activity.
Location: Insect Room
How the Solar Wind Blows
Participants will create a visual model of the velocity of solar wind after different solar events by blowing paint through a straw.
For younger explorers, a STEM coloring page station will be nearby this activity.
Location: Dinosaur Room
Planetarium Shows
All science center exhibits and IMAP activities are included with planetarium show tickets
11AM - IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System + IMAP Talk
Follow the IBEX mission as scientists investigate the distant boundary of our Solar System and use energetic particles to map where our galaxy begins.
After the show, venture further into the next generation of this type of research with a special presentation from Princeton University IMAP Mission Outreach Specialist Andi Pearl.
12:30PM - We Are Stars
Perfect for families, We Are Stars is an animated adventure revealing how stars created the elements that make life on Earth possible.
2:00PM The Sun Our Living Star
Discover the secrets of our star and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface. This visually striking planetarium show is about the most important star in our lives.
After the show, explore an overview of the IMAP mission and its goals with a special presentation from Princeton University IMAP Mission Outreach Specialist Andi Pearl.
3:30PM - Touring the Solar System
Zoom away from planet Earth and take a guided tour through the Solar System! In this show we stop by each of the planets and learn why they are unique. We’ll even explore moons, asteroids, the Milky Way and beyond. Hold on, this is one fun ride.
11AM & 2PM post-show speaker: Andi Pearl
Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) Outreach Specialist
