Traveling Exhibit Highlighting Mars Lands In San Leandro: 'We're Honored'

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Ever wanted to experience what it would be like to walk on the red planet? It's now a possibility in San Leandro, kind of.

The traveling exhibit. 35 Million Miles to Mars, by Exploration Works, is now on display at the Main Library in San Leandro through Nov. 26, according to city officials.

Hosting this exhibit means a lot for San Leandro," Brian Simmons, San Leandro Public Library Director, told Patch. "We’re honored to be the first library to ever host it, and we’re honored to bring the intersection of science and whimsy with this exhibit to our public."

The exhibit allows visitors to explore Mars through multiple interactive experiences.

This includes a prototype spacesuit created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of two in the world, made for botanists, geologists, engineers or construction workers to wear during a potential long-term visit on Mars, Simmons said.

There is also a weight interactive element, which shows the difference in atmospheric pressure between Mars and Earth, Simmons said, and a model of the Mars rover that visitors can drive.

"Who knows, this might be the inspiration that one day comes to fruition," Simmons said. "Someone on the crew of the first mission to Mars might be someone who grew up in San Leandro and saw this exhibit as (a) kid."

In addition to the exhibit, there will be several space and science-themed programs hosted at the library through November, including a Mars Talk with an astronomer on Oct. 23 and a Family Science Festival on Nov. 8.

The exhibit will be available for visitors during regular library hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).