Photos: Aliens in London

The Science of Aliens exhibition opened to the public Oct. 15 at the Science Museum in London. It will stay at the museum until the end of February 2006, when it starts an international tour.

The Science of Aliens exhibit investigates some of the real but extremely odd creatures that thrive on Earth before embarking on a journey around the solar system and into deep space in search of the home of alien life.

Hands-on displays at the Science Museum give visitors the chance to interact with the scientifically based creatures.

"This exhibition is a unique look at a question which has fascinated and terrified people since the beginning of time," said Jon Tucker, head of the Science Museum said. "Are we alone in the universe?"

The exhibition includes a section exploring the fascination with aliens through films, television and literature from "The Blob" to "E.T." to "Predator."

Coinciding with the launch of the exhibit will be a series of free events for adults at the Science Museum's Dana Centre. Leading scientists and authors will be looking at life beyond Earth, how aliens might evolve, UFO sightings and ways of contacting aliens.