Wild Weather, a new traveling exhibition that explores extreme weather phenomena, opened January 28, 2017, at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. An immersive, experiential exhibition, Wild Weather illustrates severe weather as a powerful and unpredictable force. The exhibition, which takes visitors on a tour of severe winter storms, destructive hurricanes, extreme heat, and everything in between, will be on view through May 7, 2017.
The eight exhibit zones of Wild Weather lead visitors through a series of extreme weather experiences to gain an understanding of the science behind severe weather, its connection to climate change, emerging technologies and forecasting techniques. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors delve into the science behind tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, thunderstorms and severe winter storms through interactive exhibits, multimedia experiences, models and large-scale graphics. They experience what it’s like to fly a research aircraft through a hurricane, view the destruction of tornadoes, follow turbulent cloud formations and lightning strikes, become a citizen scientist in the midst of a raging winter storm, and meet a researcher studying the force of wind in the lab.
“Wild Weather is incredibly pertinent to Atlanta residents because we experience everything from winter storms to tornadoes to heat waves in our region – all of which are featured in the exhibition. Fernbank is excited to offer the opportunity for guests to delve into current severe weather science, discover cutting edge technology and investigate the stories of scientists, forecasters and passionate enthusiasts,” said Kaden Borseth, Fernbank’s Director of Teen and Family Programs.
In the Tornado zone, visitors have a chance to track tornadoes using the most up-to-date technology, discover the inner workings of this fierce form of weather, experiment with mini-tornadoes, and explore the impact of climate change on tornado formation and frequency. Moving into the Severe Thunderstorm zone, visitors experience a thunderstorm like never before as they are “struck” by lightning in slow motion and discover how lightning forms. They also learn how damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain contribute to a severe thunderstorm’s ferocity.
Visitors of all ages are invited to dance up a storm in the Experience the Weather zone. As they create movement, energy is added into the storm system, provoking storm elements that allow guests to see the power and effects of severe weather firsthand.
Severe winter storms, heat waves and hurricanes are also explored in the exhibition. Visitors uncover the science behind weather all around the world and learn how exciting new discoveries are unraveling many of weather’s mysteries.
Wild Weather is developed and produced by Science North in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre.
Wild Weather is included with Museum admission. Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $16 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under, and free for Fernbank members. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum admission and a giant screen film, are $22-$26.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. The Museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Tickets and visitor information are available at fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6400.
