I’ve always been a bit of a science geek, but only just a bit. I enjoy a good episode of Novabut I don’t have the DVR set to record it. I know what an astronomical units and an Oort clouds are, but I can’t name all the moons of Jupiter.
A visit to the island of Spindrift did serve to stimulate my inner geek, however. The residents are people interested in science (particularly space science) and have built according. The result is eclectic and impressive. High above the island is a superb model of Larry Niven’s Ringworld. Like any good science fiction author, Niven spent a lot of time in the book not just on the adventure of exploring such a place but the science of how it could possibly work. So, as you stand on the platform in the center of the model you zoom in on more and more detailed views explaining the imaginary (but possible) technology.
As I wandered around the island I fond all kinds of neat stuff. This is just some of it…
Down on the ground you can step inside a model of space colony built inside an asteroid.
A sculpture looks very different when you select an alternative texture for it. It makes pleasing sounds, too.
Real-time data presentation comes to Second Life. Here’s a demonstration of a stock chart that gets updated with real world data.
A lunar lander! Too bad you can’t go inside.
Space for Music, the Space Music Museum. Good information on the evolution of electronic music. You can buy non-working models of pioneering electronic instruments.
Spindrft will get you transporting in all kinds of different directions. There are signs urging you to go to other science regions with fascinating attractions that I’ll have to write about at a later date.
