Chromatography Planets: Create Your Own Colorful Worlds!

Ever wondered what the planets in our solar system would look like if you could create them with nothing but colorful markers, water, and filter paper? Join us for a fun, hands-on activity where creativity meets the science of chromatography!

Use colorful markers to design your own paper planet. As water travels through the filter paper, watch the colors spread, blend, and reveal some of the different pigments hiding inside your markers. The result is a beautiful, colorful planet inspired by the real worlds of our solar system.

Why This Activity is Perfect for You

Explore the Solar System: Choose a planet and think about its size, colors, and appearance as you create your own artistic version.

Discover the Science of Color: See how different inks travel through filter paper at different speeds, causing colors to spread and separate.

Create Something Unique: Every planet will look different depending on the colors and patterns you choose.

Family-Friendly: Perfect for curious minds of all ages! Kids, teens, and adults can all get creative and explore science together.

Details

Who Can Join: Open to all ages. Kids may need adult assistance depending on age.

Registration: No advance registration required—just drop by during activity hours! Signing up early can help you add the activity to your schedule.

Come explore the colors hiding inside your markers and create a planet that's truly out of this world!

This event is part of our Space Festival!

Getting Here & What to Expect:
All events take place inside the Craft Lab at Because Science, our retail shop located at 1759 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC (across from the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan).

 Look for the squiggly rainbow mural! Enter Because Science and walk to the back of the store (between the biology and anatomy sections) to find the entrance to the Craft Lab
 Metro: We're a 10-minute walk from the Woodley Park (red line) or Columbia Heights (green line) Metro stations.
 Bus: The D72, D74, C51, and C53 buses stop nearby.
 Parking: Street parking is mostly limited to 30 minutes—walking, biking, or ride share is recommended. There is a parking garage located at 2421 18th St NW, about a block away. 

If you’re running late or need help finding us, just call the store at 202-248-1366