Rebeca Marina Barcenilla
Introduction: ‘AromAtom: The Smell of Space’ is a student-led science outreach project, designed to engage the public with what are often seen as difficult subjects – space exploration, planetary science, Astronomy and Geophysics. Whilst much of the science outreach work done in these areas targets audiences already interested in space, the aim of this project is to reach those audiences who have never engaged with space exploration and Astronomy, but who would be enticed by the subject if presented in a creative and evocative manner.
How it works: AromAtom uses space-smells to ignite the curiosity and imagination of children and adults. It takes participants on a guided tour during which they discover space by smelling odours based on scientific data relating the surfaces and atmospheres of planetary bodies, the geophysical processes that shape planets and satellites, and the molecular composition of dust and gas clouds. At the same time, they are told why and how such odours might be found at different locations in space. Basic astrochemistry, Astronomy and geophysical concepts are woven into the story to help form a realistic idea of what the planet or satellite might be like, and to give context to the experience.
Target Audience: Science is not just for scientists, AromAtom is for everyone. At its most basic level, its primary goal is to demystify science by presenting it as a fun and accessible experience that anyone can participate in, regardless of age, education, background or disability. Since its launch in 2017, AromAtom has run public engagement activities at schools, science conferences, festivals, science and discovery centres, and events for children with special education and sensory needs.
AromAtom: A creative approach to space science outreach and public engagement.
“AromAtom: The Smell of Space” is a student-led project created to engage the public with what are often seen as challenging or niche subjects: Astronomy, Geophysics and space exploration.
It has been especially designed to reach children and audiences who don’t usually engage with science, but who would be enticed by Astronomy and other STEM subjects if they were presented in a creative and evocative manner. At events, the work of amateur astronomers and astrophotographers is exhibited to encourage people to stargaze and even take a few pictures themselves!
Through collaboration with early career scientists joining as volunteers, the project also aims to promote a more creative and fun way to communicate science
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How does it work?
AromAtom is an olfactory encounter with space that takes people on a guided tour, travelling from the Earth to the centre of the Milky Way. While experiencing a range of space-smells, Astronomy, astrochemistry and geophysical concepts are woven into the story, helping participants to form an idea of what space might be like, and giving context to their sensory experience. The hypothetical smells of space ignite the curiosity and imagination of children and adults. They are based on:
• The composition of planets and satellites.
• Geophysical processes that shape planetary bodies.
• Molecules detected in gas clouds.
• Accounts of Apollo and ISS astronauts.
The project has been adapted to make it suitable for schools, with games, children-friendly slide shows, space-smells and physical objects such as raspberries and boiled eggs.
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Target audience
Science is not just for scientists.
At its most basic level, AromAtom’s primary goal is to demystify science by presenting it as a fun and accessible experience that anyone can participate in, regardless of age, education, background or disability, always with a focus on inclusion and accessibility.
In the classroom, learning about space becomes a game as pupils laugh and make faces at each other in response to the strange smells of space.
Reach since 2017
• School and youth groups outreach.
• Events for adults and children in English and Spanish.
• Podcasts in English and Spanish.
• Collaboration with LPI at 50th LPSC.
• Bluedot and Midlothian Science Festivals.
• Collaboration with New Scientist Magazine.
• Festival of Differences at University of Westminster.
• Summer of Space Festival and SENsory Astronights at Science Museum London.
• Space themed Lates at NHM London.
• Design of Mars-related activities for UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres and Destination Space.
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Evaluation
When participants are asked about their experience, the answers are that they:
• Learnt something new about the solar system and about space exploration missions.
• Enjoyed the experience and recommend it.
• Felt included and engaged.
• Left with a new or renewed interest in space.
In the future, I hope to organise more events for adults and children with sensory and learning disabilities and continue providing educational activities in schools, museums and family friendly festivals. I’ll also continue to engage with the creative sector to help bridging the gap between art and science.
For further information email: aromatom@mail.com
www.aromatom.org