Take a Deep Dive: Unseen Oceans

Our world is truly an ocean planet. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, yet surprisingly little of these vast realms has been explored. Now, with the use of 21st-century technologies like robotics, ROVs and AUVs, satellite monitoring, miniaturization, and high-definition imaging, that is beginning to change. In “Unseen Oceans,” an exhibition produced by the American Museum of Natural History, visitors embark on a journey that takes them from the oceans’ sunlit surfaces to their inky depths as they discover the latest ocean science and encounter the researchers and technologies that are revealing our blue planet as never before. 

In “Unseen Oceans,” visitors explore a series of circular, media-rich galleries showcasing a range of marine environments and introducing the scientists who are using cutting-edge research tools and developing new methods to explore the oceans top to bottom. How do blue whales spend their day? (High-tech, removable tags on their backs provide the answer.) What’s going on in the deep waters surrounding Hawaii? (Hint: Advanced sonar reveals a new island is set to emerge — in more than 100,000 years.) How can we identify the best locations for marine protected areas? (Fleets of small autonomous robots may offer important clues.) Visitors to “Unseen Oceans” will learn the answers to these exciting questions and explore other novel lines of inquiry that ocean researchers have only recently uncovered.

Visitors will also learn about the work of climate scientists who are searching for strategies to help wildlife cope with a warming world as well as learn about the newest generation of explorers who are continuing to expand our view of marine ecosystems and working to uncover the many mysteries that still remain in our ocean planet.

For more details, visit cosi.org.