WORTH THE DRIVE: Take a deep dive into COSI’s ‘Unseen Oceans’

A partial replica of a Triton submersible provides a great photo opportunity for "Unseen Oceans" visitors who have cameras at the ready.  ©AMNH/D. Finnin

Credit: Denis Finnin

Credit: Denis Finnin

A partial replica of a Triton submersible provides a great photo opportunity for "Unseen Oceans" visitors who have cameras at the ready. ©AMNH/D. Finnin

Visitors can stand side-by-side with a blue whale, one of the largest animals on earth, as they explore the ocean in a new exhibition at COSI.

“Unseen Oceans,” on display through Feb. 2, 2020, showcases marine environments and the scientists who study them to learn the mysteries of the sea.

 

Visitors can take a ride in a replica of a Triton submersible, interact with digital schools of fish and dig underwater trenches in a projection sand table.

"Unseen Oceans" curator John Sparks and colleagues recently discovered the widespread incidence of biofluorescence—the phenomenon by which organisms absorb light, transform it, and emit it as a different color—among marine fishes. Here, visitors examine a floor-to-ceiling array of model fishes and turtles that are now known to biofluoresce.  ©AMNH/R. Mickens

Credit: Roderick Mickens AMNH

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Credit: Roderick Mickens AMNH

“’Unseen Oceans’ will give our guests the opportunity to learn more about our oceans and the exciting work in STEM that is leading to new discoveries in and about them,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI.

“Guests will even get to explore the work of scientists right here in Ohio who are changing the way we look at the oceans around us.”

Visitors will meet some of the ocean’s biggest residents, learn how undersea animals are able to glow and be inspired by ocean scientists.

Visitors to Unseen Oceans can also take part in a variety of high-tech experiences including:

• Projections of waves lapping at visitors’ feet and a vista of the water’s surface.

• Larger-than-life models of unusual and beautiful planktonic species.

• A 180-degree, high-resolution screen where animations of blue whales, giant squid, and manta rays swim by visitors at true-to-life scales

The oceans’ sunlit zone is inhabited by plankton, organisms that sustain nearly all marine life. Despite their small size, planktonic forms are remarkably diverse. Here, visitors to "Unseen Oceans" inspect larger-than-life models of unusual and beautiful planktonic species. ©AMNH/R. Mickens

Credit: Roderick Mickens AMNH

icon to expand image

Credit: Roderick Mickens AMNH

• An immersive submersible theater, where visitors will experience a thrilling, virtual ride from the surface to inky depths.

“Unseen Oceans” is produced by the American Museum of Natural History and COSI is the first venue to host the exhibition.

COSI is located at 333 W. Broad St. in Columbus. Tickets are $20 for youth ages 2-12, $25 for adults and free for COSI members.

WANT TO GO?

What: Unseen Oceans

Where: COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus

When: Through Feb. 2, 2020

Cost: Timed admission ticket required. This is a $5 add on with COSI general admission and free for COSI members. General admission tickets begin at $20 for youth (2-12) and $25 for adults (13 and up)

More info: Website

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