Cosmic Vistas

Before we can reach space, we must first be able to see it. Hundreds of years ago, the simple telescope was used to give us a seemingly closer vantage. Today, we use the awe-inspiring, and super powerful, Hubble Space Telescope.

Discover the most powerful telescopes on the planet as they search for the mysteries of the universe.

The human eye can only see visible light, a small spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Today, we have instruments that let us perceive all wavelengths.

The Atacama desert is a perfect place for watching the night sky. With still winds and only a handful of cloudy nights each year, it allows scientists to get the absolute most out of their tools.

The Northern Lights are more than just beautiful; they tell us about the make up of our planet, our sun, and may even be a signpost for the possibility of life on other planets.

Our understanding of the cosmos is limited by the amount of time we have to see it. Fortunately, computer simulations can help us see how galaxies interact over millions of years, and even how dark matter structures the universe.