How NASA is Turning Climate Data into a Jaw-Dropping Visitor Experience

In June 2023, NASA unveiled the Earth Information Centre (EIC) at its headquarters in Washington D.C., marking a significant step in its Earth Action Strategy. While NASA is often associated with space exploration, missions to Mars, and the study of distant exoplanets, the agency has spent over five decades observing and studying our own planet. The EIC represents a bold move to bridge the gap between NASA’s wealth of Earth observation data and the people who can use it to make meaningful change.

This article is based on a presentation delivered at the Green Museums Summit 2024, where NASA’s team shared insights into the development, design, and impact of the Earth Information Centre. For museum professionals, the Earth Information Centre offers an inspiring case study in how complex scientific data can be translated into engaging, accessible storytelling. From immersive experiences to large-scale interactive displays, the EIC showcases innovative approaches to visitor engagement, multi-sensory learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

A Mission to Make Earth Science Accessible

NASA’s Earth-observing satellites have been gathering invaluable data on air quality, water resources, ecosystems, and climate patterns for over 50 years. Yet, despite the vast datasets available, the information hasn’t always been presented in ways that are accessible or actionable for the general public.

This is where the Earth Information Centre comes in. As Dr Eleanor Stokes, one of the key figures behind the project, explains: “We are a megaphone for all of the amazing work that NASA is doing on Earth science, and we’re translating that so that it’s accessible for the general public.”

The EIC isn’t just a showcase for NASA’s own work. It’s also a hub for collaboration with other federal agencies such as NOAA, FEMA, USAID, the USDA, and the US Geological Survey. By integrating datasets from multiple sources, the EIC provides a holistic view of Earth’s changing systems.

A Multi-Centre, Multi-Disciplinary Effort

The Earth Information Centre is not just a physical space—it’s an ambitious initiative that brought together experts from across NASA’s centres and divisions. Nicole Ramberg-Pihl, another key member of the EIC team, describes it as a “multi-centre initiative,” highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.

From scientists and data visualisers to exhibit designers and communication specialists, the EIC team represented a broad spectrum of expertise. For museum professionals, this serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary teams in creating impactful public engagement experiences.

Exhibition Design: A Multi-Modality Experience

At the heart of the Earth Information Centre’s design process was a commitment to engaging visitors through multiple learning modalities. The team adopted the Smithsonian’s IPOP framework—an approach to exhibition design that caters to four visitor preferences:

• Idea: Big-picture concepts and overarching messages.
• People: Emotional connections and personal stories.
• Objects: Tangible artefacts or visually striking elements.
• Physical: Hands-on and immersive experiences.

Lauren Telchin Katz, who played a key role in developing the EIC’s exhibits, explains: “We wanted to ensure that everyone who comes to the EIC finds a way to connect with the content.”

This thoughtful approach is evident across the Centre’s key installations.

Earth Pulse: A Dynamic Visual Representation of Live Data

One of the most striking elements of the Earth Information Centre is Earth Pulse—a towering LED sculpture that visualises live data flowing between Earth and NASA’s fleet of observation satellites. Designed to capture attention even from passers-by outside the building, Earth Pulse serves as both an artistic installation and an educational tool.

As Dan Goods, one of the creative minds behind the installation, explains: “When you see the lights coming down, it’s telling us we’re receiving information about something new about the Earth… each little light represents something about oceans, the atmosphere, or the Amazon.”

For museum professionals, Earth Pulse demonstrates the power of using public art to draw audiences in, provoke curiosity, and communicate complex ideas in a visually compelling way.

The Hyperwall: NASA’s Mission Control for Earth

Inside the EIC, visitors encounter the Hyperwall—a panoramic digital display designed to act as NASA’s ‘mission control’ for planet Earth. Capable of showcasing datasets, live feeds, and immersive storytelling experiences, the Hyperwall offers a dynamic window into NASA’s Earth science missions.

According to Mark Subbarao, one of the designers, the Hyperwall operates in three storytelling modes:

1. Dashboard Mode: Multiple datasets presented simultaneously, akin to a control room interface.
2. Immersive Mode: A single dataset dominates the display, allowing visitors to dive deep into one theme.
3. Storytelling Mode: Human stories and case studies that bring the data to life.

This multi-purpose tool exemplifies how digital displays can go beyond static presentations and become dynamic storytelling platforms.

Immersive Earth: A Sensory Journey

Perhaps the most emotionally impactful experience at the EIC is Immersive Earth, an intimate, multi-sensory installation where visitors step inside a 12×12-foot room surrounded by projected data visualisations. Featuring live data streams, narration by astronauts, and interactive components, Immersive Earth transforms abstract data into a visceral experience.

Dan Goods describes the experience: “When you have live data, immersive visuals, and emotive storytelling, you remember things differently. It’s about creating an emotional connection to the science.”

For museums considering how to create emotionally resonant digital experiences, Immersive Earth offers an excellent example of blending storytelling, technology, and live data.

Beyond the Physical Space: Earth.gov

The Earth Information Centre isn’t limited to its physical location in Washington D.C. NASA has also developed Earth.gov, a virtual platform where visitors can access datasets, storytelling resources, and interactive tools.

This digital presence ensures that the EIC’s mission extends far beyond its physical walls, reaching audiences globally.

A Future of Connection and Action

The EIC team envisions a future where Earth science is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Plans are underway to expand the Centre’s reach with new installations at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Smaller-scale versions of the EIC are also being considered for schools, libraries, and community spaces, ensuring that critical Earth observation data reaches as many people as possible.

For museum professionals, the EIC stands as a powerful reminder: science, storytelling, and technology can combine to inspire change—and protect our shared home.

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The Earth Information Centre (EIC) team shared their work at the Green Museums Summit 2024.