After Dark: Mirror, Mirror

Presentations:

Shapely Light
With Desiré Whitmore
7:00, 7:30, and 8:00 p.m.  |  Bechtel Gallery 3

Have you ever wanted to create your own laser maze, to protect a bank vault full of money or for any other reason? Let LaserChick teach you how to manipulate laser light into all kinds of interesting shapes. (Catsuits and extreme flexibility not required. Not recommended for those afraid of the dark.)

Reflector Inspector
With the Field Trip Explainers
7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.  |  Meet in Gallery 3 at Big Mirror

Let the Exploratorium’s Field Trip Explainers take you on an interactive tour of some of the museum's best mirror exhibits. You’ll dive deep into many looking glasses and reflect on how light bounces, how our brains interpret conflicting images, and which reflections we tend to find attractive.

Observing Space from the Air
With NASA/DSI SOFIA Scientists
7:30 p.m.  |  Osher Gallery 1, Kanbar Forum

We need telescopes to see far into space, and what we see wouldn’t be possible without mirrors. Join scientists from NASA and the German SOFIA Institute (DSI) to hear about the mirrors used in telescopes, especially the 106-inch one on board SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). Find out how the mirror was produced, how and why it was put in a Boeing 747SP jetliner, and how it’s isolated from the plane’s vibration then learn about the exciting science that’s come out of the SOFIA mission.

Full-Spectrum Science: Mirrors
With Ron Hipschman
8:30 p.m.  |  Osher Gallery 1, Kanbar Forum

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind different types of mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications as part of his series of colorful explorations of the physical world, Full-Spectrum Science.

The Looking-Glass Self
With Heike Winterheld
8:30 p.m.  |  Osher Gallery 1

Experiencing other people’s reactions to us can influence how we think of ourselves for example, as funny or boring, clumsy or suave, incompetent or smart. In short, when we look in the mirror, we see ourselves partly through the eyes of others. Come join Exploratorium social psychologist Heike Winterheld for an intimate and interactive conversation about why seeing ourselves through the eyes of others can lead to both correct and distorted self-perceptions, how these perceptions affect our well-being and social lives, and how we can change them. Please note: This intimate and interactive conversation has very limited capacity; you may want to arrive early.

Ongoing

Metamorphosis 
By Alex Andre 
6:00-10:00 p.m.  |  Bechtel Gallery 3

Gaze into Metamorphosis, Alex Andre’s interactive sculptural work, and see what you can make with the person on the other side. Lock eyes to create changing personas in real time and see what transformations you can effect.

The Mirrorbox
With Megan Daadler
6:00-10:00 p.m.  |  Bechtel Gallery 3

Get ready to see yourself in others. The Mirrorbox is an award-winning installation and research tool that provides an intimate space for two people to temporarily share an identity. Along with a partner, put your heads into a futuristic helmet, stand face to face, and observe your features blending in real time�"then consider your own response.

SOFIA: Reflections on the Universe from 40,000 Feet
With NASA/DSI SOFIA Scientists
6:30-9:30 p.m.  |  Gallery 2

SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is the largest airborne observatory in the world, capable of making observations that are impossible for even the largest and highest ground-based telescopes. Researchers use SOFIA to observe star birth and death, the formation of new solar systems, planets, nebulae, black holes, to identify complex molecules in space, and more. SOFIA is an 80/20 joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR)-join them up close for an evening of scientist-led activities.

Mirror-Breaking Station
6:30-9:30 p.m.  |   Bechtel Gallery 3

Feeling superstitious? Need to get some feelings out? Test your luck and shatter some glass at our mirror-breaking station.  (Then report back in seven years. Apologies in advance if the news is bad!)