Science On a Sphere

Science On a Sphere (SOS) is a spherical projection system created by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

[4] A spherical screen covered in ordinary latex paint hangs suspended in the center of the projection space.

uses one Ubuntu Linux computer with NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards, and an iPad app to control the system.

Originally conceived as a video system for showing space-based collections of Earth data, the SOS has grown in its utility.

[12] A collaborative network has been established by institutions with access to SOS, as well as partners who are developing educational programming and content for these systems.

ESRL SOS
SOS in the Planet Theater at the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratories in Boulder, Colorado
The Canyon World in the Science On a Sphere Theater at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
An equirectangular projection of the Earth ; the standard parallel is the equator.