Feeling inspired by NASA’s historic Artemis II mission, which represents the farthest distance from Earth ever traveled by a human? Whether space exploration has been a lifelong interest or you just watched “Project Hail Mary” and are a new astrophile, here are five space and science experiences you can have in Columbus that will leave you saying, “Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!”
Explore the Universe at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Photo courtesy of COSI
Ranked the No. 1 science museum in the nation by USA Today 10Best, COSI provides immersive, hands-on experiences that connect visitors directly to current NASA science and discovery. Guests can explore interactive exhibits that dive into everything from the history of space missions, including a model of John Glenn’s Friendship 7 spacecraft, to the technology powering today’s research, as well as experiences like the gravity floor that demonstrates how spacetime bends. The journey continues in Ohio’s largest planetarium, where a 60-foot dome transports audiences from Earth to the farthest edges of the galaxy, making COSI a must for anyone inspired by space exploration and stargazing.
Honor Space Pioneers at National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Photo courtesy of NVMM
This nationally recognized museum tells the stories of American veterans across all branches of service, including those who helped shape the U.S. space program. The museum highlights veterans who went on to become astronauts, including Ohio native Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and trailblazers like Eileen Collins, whose career began as a U.S. Air Force pilot before she became the first woman to command a space shuttle. Through personal stories and immersive exhibits, visitors gain a powerful look at how military service has shaped space exploration and continues to propel some of NASA’s most historic missions.
Learn from The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy
Photo by The Ohio State University via Instagram
One of the largest astronomy programs in the U.S., The Ohio State University offers a range of public-facing opportunities to engage with the cosmos. From daily “Astro Coffee” talks with researchers to seasonal Observatory Nights and Star Parties, visitors and locals alike can connect with experts and experience stargazing through powerful telescopes. Keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming events, including access to the Arne Slettebak Planetarium, a campus facility used to bring the night sky to life.
Discover Ancient Space Rocks at Orton Geological Museum
Photo by 6drone4
Also located on The Ohio State University’s campus, this historic museum is the oldest in Ohio to feature extraterrestrial geology, housing more than 54,000 specimens spanning fossils, rocks and minerals from around the world. Highlights include a collection of meteorites, including a sample of the Allende meteorite—one of the oldest known rocks in the solar system—offering a rare chance to get up close to the building blocks of planets and space itself.
Follow Ohio’s Path to Space on the Ohio Air & Space Trail
Photo courtesy of Randall L. Schieber
An official initiative of America 250-Ohio, the Ohio Air & Space Trail invites visitors to explore Ohio’s rich aviation and aerospace history through a self-guided journey across more than 30 sites, including COSI and NVMM in Columbus. From being the birthplace of aviation with Dayton brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright to modern space exploration, it connects the stories, people and places that helped shape flight and beyond, highlighting Ohio’s continued role at the epicenter of aviation and aerospace research, innovation and manufacturing.
And did you know that Ohio is home to some of the world’s largest and most capable space simulation test facilities, where ground tests are conducted for the U.S. and international space and aeronautics communities? While there is no public access available, you can learn more about NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility and its connection to the Artemis II mission here.
