New exhibit allows visitors to explore the power and unpredictability of extreme weather conditions
SUGAR LAND, TX —Prepare to be blown away: Wild Weather has opened at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, offering visitors an immersive look into nature’s most powerful and unpredictable forces. This exhibition, from Science North in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre, explores the science behind severe weather – from the destructive fury of tornadoes, to the swirling chaos of hurricanes, to the silent danger of extreme heat.
Experience a research flight through a hurricane, witness a tornado’s destruction, and become a citizen scientist, meeting researchers studying wind force. Wild Weather offers these unique opportunities and more, bringing the science of severe weather to life in a way that’s both educational and unforgettable.
“Wild Weather immerses visitors of all ages in the science of severe weather,” said Kavita Self, Executive Director of HMNS at Sugar Land. “Through fun and engaging experiences, visitors will delve into severe weather science and technology, and investigate the stories of scientists, forecasters, and passionate enthusiasts. This exploration of weather patterns and the forces that drive them directly ties into our mission of science education, allowing us to explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible and compelling way, and giving our guests a deeper understanding of the science behind it all.”
The exhibition is divided into key zones, each offering a unique blend of experiments, computer interactives, and multimedia experiences. Visitors will explore the science behind some of the world’s most dramatic weather events: tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, hurricanes, and heat waves.
Witness a tornado’s formation, experience a lightning strike in slow motion, and face the fury of a hurricane. Confront the danger of extreme heat, a growing threat in our changing climate.
Wild Weather also highlights the cutting-edge science and technology being used to understand and predict these events. Discover how emerging technologies and recent scientific discoveries are improving our ability to forecast severe weather and prepare for the challenges of future climate change, helping to protect communities around the world.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land on this vital exhibition,” said Katie Clayton with the City of Sugar Land Utilities Department. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the science behind these powerful weather forces and highlight the cutting-edge technology that helps us predict and prepare for extreme weather events. The City of Sugar Land is committed to keeping our community safe through proactive planning and emergency preparedness. We’re excited to help the museum educate and inspire its visitors.”
Key Exhibit Highlights:
• Tornado Alley: Experience the birth of a tornado and witness its destructive power.
• Thunderstorm Zone: Get “struck by lightning” in slow motion and learn about the science behind thunderstorms.
• Hurricane Encounter: Fly through the eye of a hurricane and experience its swirling winds and torrential rain.
• Extreme Heat Zone: Confront the dangers of extreme heat and learn about its impact on our changing climate.
• Mythbusters: Test your knowledge of weather myths and separate fact from fiction.
• Hurricane Photo Op: Get “blown away” in a staged hurricane photo opportunity.
Experience weather in all its powerful and unpredictable forms at Wild Weather, now open at HMNS at Sugar Land.
Wild Weather is generously supported by the City of Sugar Land Public Works Department.
Visit sugarland.hmns.org for tickets and information.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land—On Oct. 3, 2009, a historic prison building in the residential community area of Telfair opened to the public, transformed – as the new Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. This satellite facility of HMNS includes five permanent galleries reflecting the most popular exhibit areas of the downtown Museum location. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the 43,000 square foot building and the surrounding 5.5 acres of land that house the museum present a variety of compelling traveling exhibitions. Located at 13019 University Blvd. (at the corner of University and New Territory Blvds.), a visit to HMNS at Sugar Land is always an adventure.