Unseen Oceans
Planet Earth? More like Planet Water. Oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface—and yet it’s estimated that only 5% have been explored. Quench your curiosity about the mysterious marine world that surrounds us with Unseen Oceans:
- Encounter surprising specimens from the deep sea;
- Learn how life adapts to darkness and pressure;
- Watch mesmerizing videos of life-size ocean giants;
- Step into a submersible for a one-of-a-kind photo op;
- And so much more
Ready for another deep dive? Descend into Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed in Steinhart Aquarium for a kaleidoscopic array of colorful mesophotic creatures—including some on exhibit for the first time.
Open daily through September 7!
Mysterious drifters
Most plankton can’t be seen without a microscope—until you enter Unseen Oceans, that is. Marvel at larger-than-life models of these itty-bitty plants and animals that form the base of the marine food web—and are vital to all life on Earth.
Hands-on highlight: Some familiar fish and invertebrate species start out as tiny, drifting plankton. See if you can match the adult animal to its planktonic form in “Find My Baby Picture.”
Secret lives
In 2014, scientists from the American Museum of Natural History made an illuminating discovery: Some fish glow red, orange, and green when viewed under blue light! Gaze up at a dazzling diorama of biofluorescent fish and sea turtles while learning about the physics behind fluorescence.
Specimen highlight: Don’t miss the display containing four striking specimens from the Academy’s Ichthyology collection: A bull shark jaw and a preserved Pacific footballfish, spotted ratfish, and lamprey.
Encountering giants
You’re halfway through your Unseen Oceans odyssey—time for a moment of zen. Pull up a pouf, sit back, and enjoy the show as a parade of life-size blue whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola), giant squid, and manta rays swim by on a 180-degree screen.
Specimen highlight: More megafauna await: Sneak a peek at a giant squid beak, megalodon tooth, ichthyosaur eye, and other impressive specimens and casts.
Invisible boundaries
New technologies are enabling scientists to reach deep-sea habitats safely and study their unique inhabitants without disturbing or damaging them. Climb into the cockpit of a partial replica of a Triton submersible and snap an undersea selfie.
Hands-on highlight: Embark on an oceanic adventure as you pilot a virtual submersible around treacherous seamounts and make discoveries of your own.
Going deep
The ocean floor is a dramatic undersea landscape of towering seamounts and plunging trenches. Meander through a fascinating 3D re-creation of a seamount from the Galápagos Islands, and examine hydrothermal vents from the Academy’s Geology collection.
Hands-on highlight: Now that you’re a marine topography expert, put your knowledge to good use and construct your own ocean floor with kinetic sand.
Future oceans
Throughout Unseen Oceans, special blue panels highlight Academy scientists working to regenerate marine ecosystems, from a newly designated “Hope Spot” in the Philippines to a successful coral spawning program right here at the Academy. Immerse yourself in these inspiring science stories—and emerge from the exhibition an ocean advocate.
Hands-on highlight: Follow the (digital) fish to the exhibition’s exit and watch as they respond to the movement of your feet.
