The search for life beyond Earth is now a family experience!
The Universe awaits! Guided by Penta-Oculus the alien, dive into the mysteries of life on Earth and throughout the Universe. Discover how scientists explore life on Earth and far beyond, with rovers and telescopes helping them search for planets, exoplanets, and signs of life.
Signs of Life is the only exhibition in Quebec dedicated to the search for life beyond Earth. Across 4 themed zones and several interactive stations, discover what defines life and the alien environments that could sustain it, and uncover the technologies that expand our understanding of the Universe and the spacecrafts—past and future—designed to explore it.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to touch a real piece of the Moon—one of the few lunar rocks on Earth you can actually feel for yourself!
Our 4 themed zones might reach across the Universe, but the search for life actually starts right here, on Earth. Come face to face with one of the planet’s oldest fossils—a trace of life from around 3.45 billion years ago!
Area 1 — 5 key moments in astrobiology
Area 2 — How life evolved on Earth
Area 3 — Searching for life within our solar system
Area 4 — Searching for life beyond our solar system
Astrobiologists rely on many different technologies to study the Universe. They can send robots to explore our solar system and use powerful telescopes to observe the farthest reaches of space. Explore seven 3D-printed models showcasing the latest innovations in space robots and telescopes.
Take a close look at the MESR, a Martian rover fitted with a robotic arm.
Touch models of various space robots and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Set the ARIES robot in motion.
Penta-Oculus, or P.O. for short, is your guide on this voyage of discovery! Together, you will:
Hear the messages humans have sent to alien life,
Explore extreme places where life thrives on Earth,
See how Martian rocks are brought back to Earth,
Learn how scientists uncover distant worlds.
… the largest interplanetary spacecraft ever built was called Cassini-Huygens? It explored Saturn, its rings, and its moons.
… we have already sent messages into space in the hope of reaching alien life?
...in 1977, we even received a mysterious signal from space, but its origin remains unknown to this day.
Join us as we discover how the search for signs of life in the Universe unfolds!
