Geo-Cosmos (2011) by DENTSU INC., Mitsubishi Electric corporation, Go and Pertners, Inc., and GK Tech Inc.Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Planet Earth was formed more than 4.6 billion years ago, and in that time it has undergone continuous change. This exhibit will look at the connection between that change and humans on Earth.
Geo-Cosmos, a 6-meter, spherical display was created to convey changes happening on Earth. It is the only 10-megapixel spherical display in the world.
The EarthMiraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
"The Earth"
This is a satellite image of weather systems on Earth. Updated daily, the image reflects the ever-changing appearance of the planet in real time.
Earth’s natural change
Earth’s appearance is diverse and varied. By viewing it from the universe we can capture its variety in sharp detail.
Earth from SpaceMiraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
"Earth from Space"
Here, we can see the transition from day to night as the world rotates on its axis.
"The Seasons on Earth"
In this view, Geo-Cosmos shows how Earth’s appearance changes with the seasons. In summer, more green foliage is apparent, and in winter, the areas covered in snow spread towards the equator.
"Forest map"
Areas covered with forest are represented in green. But as deforestation continues, the world's forested areas decline.
Human activities
At night, even without the light of the sun, cities shine brightly.
「軌跡～The Movements」Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
"The Movements"
Human activity spreads across the planet. The areas where humans are active continues to expand. Aircraft and container ships travel back and forth and railways transport people around the world.
Global Chemical Weather ForecastMiraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
By overlaying scientific data onto Geo-Cosmos, we can reveal the influence of human activity on the environment.
"Global chemical weather forecast"
This simulation shows the movement of chemical substances in the atmosphere.
"Forest fire"
The red markings represent forest fires. Many forest fires are caused by humans such as agricultural fires.
"CO2 concentration past and present"
This is the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the past 30 years. Since the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of CO2 has increased relentlessly.
Atmospheric TemperatureMiraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Over the last one hundred years or so the Earth has undergone the biggest changed so far recorded.
"Atmospheric temperature"
Here we can see the changes in the temperature of Earth between 1880 and 2010.
"Land cover"
This image shows the classification of twenty different types of terrain that have been observed by satellite. While urban areas inhabited by people have become an inrinsic part of the Earth that we know, human activity has a profound effect on the surface of the planet.
"Ozone concentration"
This is the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere over Antarctica. Since 1985, scientists have observed substantial holes in the ozone layer in summer.
Future Earth
In the past century, it is well documented that human activity has cause rapid changes on Earth. But how will these changes affect us in the future?
Future Projection, Air TemperatureMiraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
"Future temperature"
If the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere continue to increase at the rate they are currently growing, Earth’s temperature will rise significantly. It is estimated that the temperature worldwide could rise by 4℃elsius by the end of the century.
"Threat to Arctic sea ice"
Scientists also predict that ice sheets in the polar regions will decrease. This map shows the sea ice floating in the Arctic Ocean. Its area gradually decreases and it may disappear completely by the end of the century.
"How to rain in the future"
The soaring temperature is thought likely to cause other problems, such as changes to the distribution of rainfall. As the temperature rises, some regions will receive more rainfall and others will experience less, which could cause flooding and droughts.
Geo-Cosmos (2011) by DENTSU INC., Mitsubishi Electric corporation, Go and Pertners, Inc., and GK Tech Inc.Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
And expanding human activities are having serious changes on the planet. But scientists can record and observe these changes. The future of this planet of life will be decided by us living on the earth today.
Miraikan － The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
