New Climate Exhibit Debuts at NCAR's Mesa Lab on October 1

September 27, 2005

BOULDER—A new exhibit on the future of Earth's climate opens to the public at the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Mesa Lab on October 1. The exhibit, which puts visitors in touch with current scientific research on our climate's future, includes an interactive display of sea-level rise, an in-depth explanation of how computer models simulate climate, and videotaped interviews with NCAR's climate experts. It also presents strategies for reducing global warming and for adapting to a warming world.

The exhibit is the culmination of NCAR's Climate Discovery series, which already covers climate's past and present.

In addition, a new photographic display of meteorological optics now shows large-screen images of rainbows, lightning, and dramatic light effects caused by a variety of atmospheric conditions.

The Mesa Lab is a working research laboratory that welcomes the public to its visitor center every day of the year. Located at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in Boulder, it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Admission is free. The building and adjacent weather trail are wheelchair accessible. More information is available by going to the "Visit Us" link on www.ucar.edu or by calling 303-497-1174.

Exhibits and Tours

In addition to the Climate Discovery exhibit, visitors to the Mesa Lab will find plenty of thought-provoking material, including an eclipse telescope, working supercomputers, a gravity well, and hands-on demonstrations of lightning, tornadoes, and fluid dynamics. A two-story mural shows the layers and features of the atmosphere in colorful detail.

Free, guided noontime tours are offered to individuals and families every day, including weekends and holidays. Organized groups of adults and/or children must reserve tours, also without charge, in advance by calling 303-497-1173.

Visitors who want to learn more about the atmospheric sciences as well as the unique architecture of the Mesa Lab, designed by I.M. Pei, can take a self-guided audio tour. The tour has versions for adults and children in both English and Spanish. Adapted versions on paper are available in Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. A large-print paper version of the audio tour is also on hand for visitors with limited vision.

The NCAR mesa has an outdoor weather trail with interpretative information and views of the Flatiron mountains and city of Boulder. Mule deer, fox, and other wildlife range over the area and in the adjoining mountain parks.

Science Store

The NCAR Science Store is one of the most extensive resources in the area for educational items that explore not only weather and climate, but also nature and the sciences as a whole. Popular items include a wide selection of books for all ages, from children’s picture books to works by NCAR scientists; resources for hikers, including local trail maps; science kits, educational games, toys, and puzzles; unique jewelry; solar-powered sculptures; weather stations; and NCAR clothing (t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, fleece vests, and socks). The Science Store is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Science Store web page or call 720-304-8670.

Art Gallery

The NCAR Community Art Program features shows in the visitor center’s gallery. This fall's artists include Jon Lybrook, Caren Paul, Annette Coleman, Joanna Gleason, Jesse Kadel, and more. View the complete schedule.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research and UCAR Office of Programs are operated by UCAR under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation and other agencies. Opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of any of UCAR's sponsors.