There is a common, intense experience shared by many astronauts when they have the rare opportunity to view the Earth from space. It is a state of awe with self-transcendent qualities, triggered by a particularly striking visual stimulus. The first person to relate this experience was cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who marveled at the sight of Earth from orbit. However, it was a few years later, during the Apollo 8 mission, that astronaut William Anders took the famous "Earthrise" picture (shown here). This single image impacted not only the crew of the mission but also generations of people, who, because of the picture, became acutely aware of the importance and fragility of Earth. This experience is known as the “Overview Effect” today.

The lucky few people who have experienced the Overview Effect all relate to the profound beauty, awe, and connection they felt to their home planet. Beauty can often create this singular, sublime moment with its spectators. And it is during these moments that a deep impact can occur. These sublime instances have shaped human perception in moments such as in science, literature, math, religion, and, of course, the arts. These moments almost demand from us a pause to better grasp what is being presented to us. 

To explore this idea, the new MuseOn exhibit summons the viewer to embark on a journey of inner transformation and learning. One in which the visitor is asked to view sometimes mundane details in a different light. It also aims to help both students and teachers in seeking beauty in all areas of education, whether it be in a poem, a math concept, a song, a perfect goal in a soccer match, or maybe even working with mold on a petri dish. All it takes is being ready and willing to search for these manifestations. 

Beauty is essential. It opens the way to profound learning experiences – becoming a potential tool for both teachers and students.  This is the goal… the focus of this exhibition; helping the visitor seek out the many ‘Overview effects’ that surround us, waiting for someone to find them, if they only look closely.

Good hunting!