My first time ... at focusTerra

I love it – that sublime atmosphere exuded by the time-honoured halls of science. The fascinating architecture of the atrium in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich provides the ideal setting for the rotunda-like museum building situated within it. The modern, white terrace-style structure is somewhat reminiscent of the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Here, knowledge is brought to life in spectacular surroundings through experiments and interactive displays for experts and laypeople alike, and for young and old. What shapes, drives and moves our planet? To find answers to these questions, science dares to take off – and so do I. I am drawn straight to Mars. The NASA lander from the ‘Insight Mission’, in whose development, operation and data analysis ETH plays a central role, is impressive even as a model. I learn that in reality it is six metres wide and is equipped with a seismometer that recorded earthquakes and meteorite impacts on the Red Planet over a period of four years. This has yielded a dataset that will keep researchers busy for decades to come. This provides insights into the formation of the Earth-like planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, dating back over four billion years!!!

With my feet firmly back on solid ground, I make my way to the minerals and crystals exhibition on the first floor of the Museum Tower. There it is, gleaming: the ‘Indergand Crystal’ from the Tiefengletscher glacier in the Furka region. Discovered in 1945 by Peter Indergand-Wipfli, it was recovered from a depth of 3,000 metres. The crystal cluster weighs in at 160 kilos and demonstrates the treasures the earth is capable of producing. The 50 clear points of smoky quartz look almost surreal, like a legendary treasure from a fantasy film. The glittering displays in the showcases outshine many a jewellery exhibition on Bahnhofstrasse in their beauty. I learn a great deal about the occurrence and formation of these gems, such as the fact that there are seven crystal systems that classify crystals according to their symmetry.

To my regret, the literal epicentre of the exhibition is closed on the day of my visit. The earthquake simulator opens its doors every Sunday as part of one-hour guided tours of the exhibition. The container room is modelled on a fully furnished Swiss living room and weighs three tonnes. Thanks to a roller-skate-like substructure, earthquakes of up to magnitude eight can be simulated here.

Interactive and hands-on – that’s how the exhibition at ‘focusTerra’ presents itself. After my visit, I’ve gained a wealth of new insights and want to know so much more. Or, to quote Socrates: I know that I know nothing (and I’ll definitely be back).