People in Munich, Germany, had a unique experience at the Festival of the Future in June 2024. They were able to visit the world’s first “stellar tanning salon” and get a tan using light simulated to mimic the spectra of different stars. This innovative salon was created by conceptual artist Jonathon Keats, who aimed to provide people with the opportunity to experience life on alien planets without the need for expensive space travel.
The salon offers a variety of starlight options, from the bright light of Vega to the red supergiant Betelgeuse. Visitors can choose the type of starlight they want to tan under, allowing them to customize their experience. Keats himself prefers cool starlight due to his tendency to sunburn easily, but he is also intrigued by the idea of experiencing the light from stars that could go supernova at any moment.
One of the unique features of the salon is the meteorite mineral water that is served to visitors. This water has absorbed the essence of other worlds, such as Mars, adding an extra otherworldly touch to the experience. The salon aims to bring together beings from all corners of the universe, creating a sense of unity and shared cosmic experience among visitors.
Keats has ambitious plans for the future of stellar tanning salons, hoping to expand to other galaxies or planets orbiting different stars. He envisions these salons as a way to share the unique offerings of our solar system with beings from other parts of the universe. Additionally, he sees potential in bringing the salon concept to popular vacation spots like Club Med, where sun-loving individuals can further broaden their horizons.
Overall, the stellar tanning salon offers a creative and immersive way for people to connect with the vastness of the cosmos and consider their place within it. It serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected as cosmic beings, regardless of our origins or species. The success of the Munich installation hints at a bright future for stellar tanning salons, with the potential to expand to new locations and reach even more people looking for a truly out-of-this-world tanning experience.
