Science On a Sphere (SOS)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Science On a Sphere (SOS) provides a room-sized, global display system that projects visualizations of planetary data onto a six foot diameter sphere to help illustrate Earth System science to people of all ages.

Target Customer

Educators, students, museums, science centers, planetariums, universities, and general public visitors seeking immersive Earth System science visualization

Key Differentiator

Immersive six-foot spherical display with 600+ datasets, widely deployed (195 exhibits across 27 countries and 34 U.S. states) and a flat-screen alternative (SOS Explorer) for broader access; strong NOAA backing and an active user network

Implementation Timeline

Not specified in the provided content; acquisition and installation processes are mentioned (Getting SOS, setup options, and contact for full exhibit purchases)

Pain Points

1Difficulty communicating complex Earth system science concepts in an engaging, intuitive way
2Limited physical space for large six-foot sphere in some venues, necessitating an accessible alternative
3Need for a large, diverse dataset library to support varied educational topics (ocean currents, ultraviolet solar visuals, etc.)

Key Features

1Projects planetary data onto a six-foot diameter sphere for immersive visualization
2Over 600 datasets available for SOS and SOSx
3SOS Explorer provides a flat-screen (PC) version of SOS for broader accessibility
4Data visualizations come from satellites, ground observations, and computer models
5SOS Users Collaborative Network (community for content creation and collaboration)

Target Customer Industries

Client Results

1Installed at over 170 sites worldwide
2195 exhibits in 27 countries and 34 states
3Over 60 million people visit these installations annually

Competitive Advantages

1Highly engaging, data-driven visualization of Earth system science
2Extensive dataset catalog (600+ datasets) for diverse topics
3Global installation footprint and high public exposure
4Accessibility through SOS Explorer (flat-screen) and SOSx for PC/mobile
5Strong institutional backing (NOAA Office of Education) and an active user network

Key Benefits

1Engages diverse audiences with Earth system science concepts

2Extensive dataset library (600+ datasets) supporting varied topics

3Multiple access modes (six-foot sphere, SOS Explorer flat-screen, SOSx mobile/PC)

4Broad installation base and trusted institutional backing

Case Studies & Success Stories

New 'Science On a Sphere' tool puts interactive spin on learning at downtown Atlanta STEM center

Case #1

News item highlighting interactive learning using SOS (March 25, 2025)

MSU Museum's Science On a Sphere brings global data to life

Case #2

News item describing SOS deployment at Michigan State University Museum (March 19, 2024)

Science On a Sphere, the new experience to visit at the Medellin Planetarium (in Spanish)

Case #3

News item about SOS adoption at Medellin Planetarium (June 25, 2023)

Science On a Sphere creates worlds of possibilities

Case #4

News item highlighting impacts of SOS installations (October 27, 2022)

Additional Product Information

Product Description

SOS is a room-sized, global display system that uses computers and projectors to project planetary data onto a six-foot sphere; includes a flat-screen version (SOS Explorer) and a mobile/PC-friendly platform (SOSx) to visualize Earth system science for education centers, universities, and museums.

Target Market

Museums, science centers, planetariums, universities, educators, and public science programs

Unique Value Proposition

Immersive, data-rich globe visualization with a large, proven dataset library and flexible access through a sphere, flat-screen, and mobile options, backed by NOAA and a global user community

Technical Requirements

Requires a six-foot sphere display with projection/computer setup; SOS Explorer runs on Windows PCs; SOSx provides mobile/PC access; installation guidance available via SOS Getting Started resources

Pricing Model

Not disclosed in the provided content; inquiries directed to sos.contact@noaa.gov for acquisition

Companies Solving Similar Problems

Based on matching: problems solved, key features, industries

Y Combinator

Y Combinator helps startups make something people want by providing early-stage funding, mentorship, and a strong network.

Technology

E-commerce

Dell Technology Solutions

Dell provides technology solutions, services, and support, offering a wide range of products including laptops, desktops, servers, storage, monitors, gaming accessories, and more.

Healthcare

Finance

BuiltWith Web Technology Usage Trends

BuiltWith provides detailed web technology usage statistics and insights for businesses and developers.

Technology

E-commerce

SentientJobs

SentientJobs provides a comprehensive job board for AI, human, and hybrid positions, helping individuals find career opportunities in the evolving workforce landscape.

Technology

Public Relations

JBITSS Technology Solutions

Providing comprehensive technology solutions tailored to business needs.

Technology

Finance

goQR.me QR Code Generator

goQR.me QR Code Generator provides free QR code creation for commercial and print usage, including logo-enabled codes and vector exports (EPS/SVG) for high-quality print.

Marketing

Advertising

Get More Profiles Like This

Join 2,000+ professionals getting weekly sales intelligence updates from GoAgentic

No spam, unsubscribe anytime

AI-Powered Analysis

Explore More Business Profiles

Browse more company research, positioning insights, and market intelligence.

2,000+ users

4.9/5 rating

Built for B2B outbound teams

Bring us the outcome. See the mission we’d run.

We’ll map the buyers, messaging, follow-up, and guardrails GoAgentic would use to pursue your qualified-pipeline goal.

See how it works

You approve the plan before agents begin.