The Portland International Jetport is now home to the second-largest piece of the moon on Earth, as part of a new exhibit titled “Fly Me to the Moon” that opened to the public on March 26. The piece of the moon is on loan from the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) and is joined by a piece of Mars. “Fly Me to the Moon” is the “coolest eclipse add-on” for travelers coming to Maine ahead of the April 8 eclipse, as the state is one of the locations that will experience “totality.” The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel has more of the moon than all natural history museums in the world combined.
The exhibit is located in western Maine, about 70 miles northwest of Portland, and features a meteorite dubbed “The Scream” as its centerpiece. This meteorite is said to resemble Edvard Munch’s famous painting and attracts travelers to come and check out the unique exhibit. Meteorites from the moon and Mars are quite rare, with only about 3,000 pounds of moon samples known to exist on Earth, including those brought back during the Apollo missions. Additionally, there are only a half ton of samples of Mars on Earth. “Fly Me to the Moon” will be on display at the Portland International Jetport for the next five years, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers passing through the airport.
The exhibit was brought to the airport by music executive Darryl Pitt, who sourced all the meteorites and thought the Portland International Jetport was an excellent location to showcase the MMGM’s treasures. Pitt highlighted the fact that the largest piece of the moon on Earth is also in Maine, emphasizing the state’s unique connection to extraterrestrial materials. The exhibit is a celebration of the natural wonders found both in Maine and beyond, providing travelers with an opportunity to see and learn about pieces of the moon and Mars up close.
Maine’s connection to space and extraterrestrial materials is becoming a prominent feature in the state’s attractions, with the MMGM in Bethel being a significant repository of moon samples. Pitt noted that Maine is not just about lobsters anymore; it is also where the moon “lives.” The exhibit at the Portland International Jetport is a testament to the state’s unique offerings and its ability to showcase rare and fascinating artifacts from outer space. Visitors passing through the airport can now experience a piece of the moon and Mars up close, adding a touch of wonder and awe to their travel experience.
The “Fly Me to the Moon” exhibit at the Portland International Jetport offers travelers a unique and educational experience, adding an extra dimension to their journey through Maine. The meteorites on display, including pieces of the moon and Mars, are rare and valuable specimens that provide insights into our solar system’s history. Visitors to the exhibit can learn about the origins of these extraterrestrial rocks and marvel at their beauty and significance. The exhibit will be on display for the next five years, giving travelers and visitors to the airport the opportunity to explore and appreciate these rare artifacts.
