Featuring the SR-71 Blackbird supersonic jet, Speed
unveils the mind-blowing intersection of motion and time across a world
of science and technology – displaying audacious demonstrations of the
superfast to the incredibly slow.
Speed features over 50 exhibits with hundreds of
unique experiences, including an interactive light race that travels
along the ceiling of the striking 10,000 square-foot exhibition. The Speed experience is categorized into five major areas:
Speed of Sound and Light
Learn about super speeds and astounding technological advances that have
taken us to some of the greatest places in the universe. Find out how
to stay safe at Mach 3, see an actual Moon rock, touch a meteorite and
find out what is so special about special relativity.
Sports Speed Matters
Uncover the speeds behind your favorite sports – from curling to
badminton. Take a look at Michael Phelps’ racing cap, Arthur Ashe’s
tennis racket and Jeff Burton’s NASCAR helmet as you discover the
science behind some of our favorite pastimes.
Too Fast to See
Reveal details that are almost invisible by slowing down processes that
are normally too fast to see. Can you identify the point at which you
stop ‘seeing’ individual pictures and start seeing a continuous moving
image? Take a glimpse into the hidden world around you!
Machines Fast and Slow
Explore a variety of surprising machine speeds. See how cell phones and
stock market trading have evolved through the decades – remember when
your cell phone was as big as a brick? Build your own devices, uncover
the equipment developed for high-speed bike racing and take a turn
around the track with Secretariat, the greatest racehorse of all time.
Too Slow to See
Get a new perspective on time and human history. How has life in
Virginia been affected by evolution? Discover the speed at which Earth’s
geography has changed. Compare the relative speed of change over long
periods of time and explore a variety of surprising growth rates in
real-time.
Check out the Science Museum of Virginia’s “Speed” exhibit going on now!
