Abstract
The search for life in the universe can inspire students and members of
the public alike. Three projects are described which provide an
immersive experience with astrobiology. The first is teaching
astrobiology to non-science majors in the virtual world Second Life.
Second Life can support authentic learning and foster cross-cultural
competencies. In the next iteration of the course, students will create
simulations of exoplanet landscapes and architectures of exoplanetary
systems. The second project is a virtual reality exhibit for education
and outreach. It has models of major facilities in astronomy and space
science in a virtual space. Users wear Oculus Quest headsets and use
game controllers to navigate. Next additions to the VR space will be
examples of exoplanet science and fully animated exoplanet systems. The
third project is a new version of a multimedia performance piece called
StellarScape, combining original electronic music, dance and simulations
of star birth. A live dancer interacts with simulations via sensors. The
next version is PlanetScape, where back-projected video is a series of
realistically rendered exoplanet surfaces. The dancer undertakes a
“hero’s journey,” experiencing the altered gravity and physical
conditions of alien planets as they try to find their way home.