Not that it's a competition, but I couldn't help but notice differences in the moon rock displays in the National Air and Space Museum compared to the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Museum of Natural History. What do you think? Who showed it best?
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| Moon rocks displayed at (L) the National Air and Space Museum, and (R) the National Gem and Mineral Collection in the Museum of Natural History |
Let's take a step back and look at the display case for each. I'm realizing half way though this post that I sound like a real jerk judging the displays - when really just seeing moon rocks in person is totally awesome and mind blowing. But I couldn't help but notice a big difference!
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| Displays at the National Air and Space Museum look a little dated, the display window is foggy, and the lighting is flat |
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| Moon rock in the National Gem and Mineral Collection looks futuristic and befitting a moon rock! The light sources are hidden, and the light is crisp white |
Here's another interesting anecdote - the gem collection has a lot more meteorites than the Air and Space Museum, and when I was in the gift shop I asked about buying small meteorites. The person behind the counter said they no longer sell them and alluded to a controversy, saying that the 'air and space guys' decided meteorites were their 'thing,' and that the gem collection gift shop shouldn't be able to carry them. Museum gift shop turf war!
Speaking of other items in the gem collection, here is a meteorite celebrity of note... the Peekskill meteorite!
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| Peekskill is famous for being caught on multiple video cameras and smashing into the trunk of a car |
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| Peekskill meteorite |
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