Exploring Exoplanets

This event took place in the summer of 2024 in Huset, Copenhagen at XENON with the support of the Carlsberg Foundation. Thank you to the nearly 500 visitors who came to join us!

Have a look at what we did here


All events take place at XENON, which is located on the fourth floor at HUSET Copenhagen


Join us from Monday, July 29th to Friday, August 2nd, at Huset Copenhagen for "Exploring Exoplanets," an immersive exhibition and event series that seamlessly intertwines art and science. Presented in conjunction with the conference “Are We a Unique Species on a Unique Planet” at the University of Copenhagen, this event is independently open to the public and free of charge.

"Exploring Exoplanets" stems from the research of Pieter Steyaert, who works on how artistic practices can benefit natural sciences, specifically exoplanet research. The exhibition showcases a limited collection of artworks, including portraits of exoplanet scientists, textile designs, photographs, and video installations.

Beyond the exhibition, we offer a series of engaging activities. Experience the cosmos through guided meditation sessions, enjoy a blend of humor and astrophysics with improv comedy from Improv Comedy Copenhagen, and learn to creatively represent complex data in our data visualization workshops. Additionally, immerse yourself in the life of an exoplanet explorer during our interactive role-playing afternoon. And on wednesday morning we host educational activities for kids.

Among the facilitators of these activities are astronomers Anja C Andersen and Sven Kiefer, educational scientists Jesper Bruun and Oriel Marshall, space architect and biologist Angelo Vermeulen and astronomer and artist Jo Verwohlt.

Most activities are conducted in English, with assistance available from native Danish speakers.

We look forward to welcoming you to Huset Copenhagen for this inspiring event. All activities are free but need to be reserved using this link.





Activities


    Opening Night

    Monday July 29, 19.30 - ...

    Astro Bodies - Kinesthetic Excercises

    Tuesday 30 July, 10.00 - 12.00

    Exoplanet Data Visualization Workshop

    Tuesday 30 July , 13.00 - 16.30

    SciFi and the Cosmos: Exoplanets, Games and Cinema

    Tuesday 30 July, 19.00-20.30

    Exoplanet Explorers: Hands-On Learning

    Wednesday 31 July, 10.00 - 12.00

    Galactic Games: A Space-Themed Board Game Experience

    Wednesday 31 July , 14.00 - 17.00

    Habitat in Peril - A Role Playing Game

    Thursday 01 August , 13.00 - 18.00

    Improv Comedy Copenhagen

    Thursday 01 August, 19.00 - 20.30

Opening Night

Opening Night
Monday July 29

19.30 - ...      80 participants

Join us on the opening night of "Exploring Exoplanets" at Huset Copenhagen. This event marks the beginning of a week-long series of activities from Monday, July 29th to Friday, August 2nd, focused on cutting-edge exoplanet research and visionary art.

The opening night will feature the unveiling of a series of artworks that bridge science and art. The exhibition showcases a limited collection of artworks, including portraits of exoplanet scientists, textile designs, photographs, and video installations.

Actress Melina Psychny (DE) will reprise her role as Aurora in Exploring Exoplanets, continuing her performance from the Exomoon theater that premiered last year. In this production, she will guide the audience through a cosmic meditation session. The night will end with an audiovisual DJ set.

The event is free, but you need to reserve are ticket here: Exploring Exoplanets Opening Eventbrite

Photo by Philip Frowein
Photo by Philip Frowein

Facilitators

Anja C. Andersen
Anja C. Andersen
Pieter Steyaert
Pieter Steyaert
Angelo Vermeulen
Angelo Vermeulen
Katrien Kolenberg
Katrien Kolenberg
Melina Pyschny
Melina Pyschny
Astro Bodies - Kinesthetic Excercises

Astro Bodies - Kinesthetic Excercises
Tuesday 30 July

10.00 - 12.00      2 times 40 participants participants

Join us for "Astro Bodies," an engaging series of kinesthetic exercises designed for participants aged 10 and up.

"Astro Bodies" features two distinct one-hour exercise sessions inspired by astrophysical phenomena. Participants can choose to sign up for either session or both to experience these cosmic-themed workouts.

These sessions offer a fun and educational way to explore the movements and dynamics of celestial bodies through physical exercise. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply looking for a creative way to stay active, "Astro Bodies" provides a unique opportunity to connect with the universe in a kinesthetic way.

The event is hosted by Anja C Andersen and Jesper Bruun with the help of some fellow astronomers.

The activity is free, but you need to make a reservation here


Facilitators

Jesper Bruun
Jesper Bruun
Anja C. Andersen
Anja C. Andersen
Katrien Kolenberg
Katrien Kolenberg
Thorsten Balduin
Thorsten Balduin
Oriel Marshall
Oriel Marshall
Exoplanet Data Visualization Workshop

Exoplanet Data Visualization Workshop
Tuesday 30 July

13.00 - 16.30      10 participants

Dive into the world of exoplanet data visualization in this engaging workshop designed for adults aged 16 and up. Participants will work with actual exoplanet data and explore tools and techniques to visualize this data in real time, primarily using a visual programming language called TouchDesigner and a little bit of scripting in the famous Python language. No prior knowledge is required, but attendees must bring a laptop with adequate performance. Stay tuned for more information and join us to transform complex data into stunning visual representations.

The workshop is divided into two parts. In the first part, we will focus on transforming data into visual representations. The second part will guide you in setting up a scene with lighting and materials to create a stunning render.

The workshop will be led by Pieter Steyaert, who has a background in graphic design and computer science and works as a researcher in exoplanet studies and astronomers Helena Lecoq Molinos and Thorsten Balduin who do research on cloud formations and lightning on exoplanets and newly formed star systems. They will be joined by Aitor Biedma, a specialist in 3D and motion graphics.

Reserve your spot here

Data, TouchDesigner

© Pieter Steyaert

© Pieter Steyaert


Facilitators

Pieter Steyaert
Pieter Steyaert
Aitor Biedma
Aitor Biedma
Helena Lecoq Molinos
Helena Lecoq Molinos
Thorsten Balduin
Thorsten Balduin
SciFi and the Cosmos: Exoplanets, Games and Cinema

SciFi and the Cosmos: Exoplanets, Games and Cinema
Tuesday 30 July

19.00-20.30      80 participants

On this special evening, we invite you to interact with our panel of scientists as we delve into the most iconic space-related moments in cinema, games and pop culture. Engage in lively discussions about how these films and games and media have influenced scientific thinking, where they got it right, and where they went wrong.

"SciFi and the Cosmos" offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science and fiction, providing insights into the real-world science behind your favourite space adventures. Whether you're a movie buff, a science enthusiast, a gamer or simply curious about the cosmos, this event promises an enlightening and entertaining experience.

This event is hosted by astronomer Anja Andersen and space architect Angelo Vermeulen. They will be joined by exoplanet scientists Nanna Bach-Møller and Sven Kiefer. Together they will explore intriguing details, and debunked myths in cinema, gaming, and pop culture.

Get your tickets here

poster

poster


Facilitators

Anja C. Andersen
Anja C. Andersen
Angelo Vermeulen
Angelo Vermeulen
Nanna Bach-Møller
Nanna Bach-Møller
Sven Kiefer
Sven Kiefer
Exoplanet Explorers: Hands-On Learning

Exoplanet Explorers: Hands-On Learning
Wednesday 31 July

10.00 - 12.00      25 participants

Join us for "Exoplanet Explorers: Hands-On Learning" at Huset Copenhagen, a special event designed for kids and teens aged 10 and up, accompanied by a guardian.

Hosted by exoplanet educational researcher Oriel Marshall (GB-SCT), this event features a variety of engaging and interactive hands-on activities based on exoplanet research. Oriel gets accompanied by astronomers Beatriz (PT) and Thorsten (DE) to explore space and the atmosphere in a fun way.

Participants will have the opportunity to create their own exoplanet clouds, simulate lightning on distant planets, and digitally explore the atmosphere of an exoplanet. These activities will be supported by insights from exoplanet scientists, ensuring an educational and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Tickets & Info


Facilitators

Oriel Marshall
Oriel Marshall
Beatriz Campos Estrada
Beatriz Campos Estrada
Thorsten Balduin
Thorsten Balduin
Galactic Games: A Space-Themed Board Game Experience

Galactic Games: A Space-Themed Board Game Experience
Wednesday 31 July

14.00 - 17.00      40 participants

Join us for "Galactic Games: A Space-Themed Board Game Experience" at Huset Copenhagen, an iconic cultural hub known for its vibrant community events and extensive board game offerings. This engaging event is designed for adults aged 16 and up.

Hosted by Oriel, a scientist and board game connoisseur, and supported by both gaming and space experts including astronomer Anja C Andersen, this afternoon event features a variety of space-themed board games.

Tickets and info


Facilitators

Oriel Marshall
Oriel Marshall
Anja C. Andersen
Anja C. Andersen
Jesper Bruun
Jesper Bruun
Habitat in Peril - A Role Playing Game

Habitat in Peril - A Role Playing Game
Thursday 01 August

13.00 - 18.00      20 participants

Storm patterns on Moon, an exomoon orbiting an exoplanet 93 light-years from Earth, have worsened beyond predictions. The entire basecamp is falling apart. Your team of explorers, scientists, and technicians wasn't scheduled to awaken for another century, but the crisis demands your immediate assistance. Can you and your colleagues rally quickly enough to survive on this alien world, far from the comforts of home?

Join us for a thrilling half-day table-top role-playing game event where you will step into the roles of early settlers on the exomoon station, Habitat. Work together to bring the station back online and withstand the catastrophic natural events threatening its existence.

Groups will split off to tackle specific challenges before reconvening to collectively navigate the storm. The game system, a homebrewed RPG inspired by Kids on Bikes, is designed for quick learning and is accessible to both beginners and experienced players. Dive into a story-driven adventure that blends science and excitement as you strive to save Habitat from destruction.

This activity is organized for adults, welcoming participants aged 16 and above.


Tickets & Info

Habitat in Peril - an artistic impression

Habitat in Peril - an artistic impression


Facilitators

Sven Kiefer
Sven Kiefer
Alex Panayotopoulos⁩
Alex Panayotopoulos⁩
Mary Pedicini
Mary Pedicini
Oriel Marshall
Oriel Marshall
Jesper Bruun
Jesper Bruun
Pieter Steyaert
Pieter Steyaert
Improv Comedy Copenhagen

Improv Comedy Copenhagen
Thursday 01 August

19.00 - 20.30      80 participants


Artists and scientists Jo Verwohlt (DK) and Pieter Steyaert (BE) invite you to join them for the grand finale of Exploring Exoplanets, a week-long exhibition and celebration of exoplanet research. This culminating evening promises to be unforgettable, blending education and entertainment in a unique and engaging format.

The night begins with three concise and captivating talks on exoplanetary science, setting the stage for an evening filled with curiosity and discovery. Following these talks, the legendary troupe from Improv Comedy Copenhagen will take the spotlight, transforming scientific concepts and audience questions into hilarious, spontaneous comedy. Their unique blend of humor and creativity will bring a fresh and entertaining perspective to the wonders of space.

This engaging format will be repeated twice during the evening, with a brief intermission to allow you to mingle, discuss the mind-expanding insights, and enjoy refreshments.


Tickets and info

ICC

ICC


Facilitators

ICC
ICC
Jo Verwohlt
Jo Verwohlt
Pieter Steyaert
Pieter Steyaert
Katrien Kolenberg
Katrien Kolenberg
Christiane Helling
Christiane Helling
Nanna Bach-Møller
Nanna Bach-Møller
Beatriz Campos Estrada
Beatriz Campos Estrada
Till Käufer
Till Käufer
Sven Kiefer
Sven Kiefer


Contributors

Alex Panayotopoulos⁩

Alex Panayotopoulos⁩

ICC

ICC

Angelo Vermeulen

Angelo Vermeulen

Sven Kiefer

Sven Kiefer

Beatriz Campos Estrada

Beatriz Campos Estrada

Jesper Bruun

Jesper Bruun

Oriel Marshall

Oriel Marshall

Jo Verwohlt

Jo Verwohlt

Katrien Kolenberg

Katrien Kolenberg

Till Käufer

Till Käufer

Thorsten Balduin

Thorsten Balduin

Christiane Helling

Christiane Helling

Mary Pedicini

Mary Pedicini

Pieter Steyaert

Pieter Steyaert

Katrien Kolenberg

Katrien Kolenberg

Aitor Biedma

Aitor Biedma

Anja C. Andersen

Anja C. Andersen

Melina Pyschny

Melina Pyschny

Helena Lecoq Molinos

Helena Lecoq Molinos

Nanna Bach-Møller

Nanna Bach-Møller