Step Into the Universe: Smithsonian Starstruck Opens in Melbourne with an Immersive Journey to the Cosmos

The universe is within reach. Melbourne will become a gateway to the cosmos with the arrival of Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, has now opened at Level 1, 206 Bourke St, Melbourne. This free-roam, interactive journey invites visitors to witness the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies, and come face-to-face with a black hole, all without leaving Earth.

Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the pioneering research centre founded in 1890, Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive and walkable universe, built from real astronomical data. Joined by Astrid, the Cosmic Guide, this is more than just an exhibition – it is a cosmic journey.

• Begin Your Cosmic Journey: Transport atop Mount Hopkins, Arizona, and embark on an adventure through the universe aboard some of the most powerful telescopes ever created at SAO’s Whipple Observatory.
• Dive Deep: Step inside the iconic Hubble Deep Field in immersive 3D and drift among thousands of galaxies to experience the immense scale of the cosmos.
• Visit the Old Neighbourhood: Explore the Milky Way and discover our solar system’s place within a galaxy moving through space at extraordinary speeds.
• Bask in the Sun: Experience the power of our nearest star through real NASA data, witnessing massive solar flares and hearing the Sun’s vibrations.
• Stand on the Shoulders of Giants: Journey through the universe using data from NASA, ESA, and SAO, while exploring renowned observatories and the future Giant Magellan Telescope.
• Explore Janssen, the Diamond Planet: Visit an extreme exoplanet of molten lava and glittering diamond formations while learning why Earth sits in the rare habitable "Goldilocks Zone."
• Contemplate the Death of Betelgeuse: Witness a dramatic supernova explosion and discover how dying stars create the building blocks for future stars, planets, and life.
• Behold Black Holes: Stand at the edge of Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, and observe the immense forces shaping our galaxy.

From the Big Bang to the Milky Way to the solar system, the experience places visitors within the story of discovery itself, illustrating that humans are not just observers of the cosmos, but part of it.

“This project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging,” said Randall Smith, Associate Director for Science at the Centre for Astrophysics at SAO. “It’s exciting to see astronomical data translated into an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration.”

Information:

• Location: Level 1, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Duration: ~40 minutes
• Recommended Age: 10+
• Tickets: Available exclusively through the Fever app and website
• Website: https://smithsonianstarstruck.com/melbourne/
• Visual Assets: HERE