Back in May 2006 I came across Hackshaven Harford and the early efforts to bring NOAA/ESRL into Second Life. Since then, NOAA has purchased its own Second Life island and it’s almost ready for the public. Exhibits on the sim were developed by Aimee Weber Studios and include a demonstration of tsunamis, glaciers and undersea life.
If you are wondering why NOAA is in Second Life, you can find the FAQ here:
Second Life (SL) provides a unique ability to create an immersive simulated learning experience. It is a cost effective way of reaching large numbers of people that otherwise would not have access to the wealth of knowledge that NOAA and ESRL possess. Currently, NOAA/ESRL are exploring SL as a way of visualizing the vast amouts of educational material and data at their disposal.
The Science Center in Second Life will get a sneak peek at NOAA/ESRL’s Meteroa Sim. The beta-test tour will be on Wednesday, Decemeber 6, at 8:00 AM PST. You must be part of the Science Center to take part.
- Second Life Science Center & NOAA weather map
- 3D Weather Data Visualization in Second Life
- NOAA Comes to Second Life
UPDATE: The tour was great. I got to ride a weather balloon. Hacks says the sim will be open to the public “soon.”
Man, I have to check on that sim. I am really, REALLY interested in it for so many reasons. O.o Thanks for reminding me.