It goes beyond stargazing
Expanding Universe Hall
Space explorers needed!
Embark on a journey through our solar system and beyond to discover how scientists uncover the secrets of the universe. From an interactive stargazing adventure to an unusual obstacle course that moves at the speed of light, hands-on discovery is yours to be had. Stand in awe at the beauty of the stars, planets, and distant galaxies. Come feed your curiosity about our place in the universe that’s driven us into the sky in search of answers.
Gaze beyond the skies as you journey through the solar system and beyond
Venture out into the vastness of our solar system to discover the size and scale of the eight planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and more that all claim a home within our solar system. It will leave you thinking about Earth’s significance in the universe.
Use light to travel into the past
Delve deep into space and learn how scientists use light to study the universe and everything in it. Since light takes such a long time to reach us, when we are gazing at distant stars and galaxies we are actually seeing them as they were in the past.
Go big or go small
Go from the subatomic to the vast size of the universe with the turn of a dial. Compare the size of our sun to other stars in our galaxy. Which is bigger — Mercury or Pluto? Come for a visit and find out!
Dive into the cosmic curiosity that has spanned the ages
Throughout the history of mankind, we have looked up into the skies with a hope to understand the cosmos. From using stars as navigation, to believing Earth was at the center of the universe, explore the different theories of space pioneers through their ideas, discoveries, and inventions that helped shape our view of the cosmos.
Physics lesson
Apply the same Earthly laws of physics to outer space. Gravity is the force that keeps your feet safely planted on Earth, and it’s this same rule of attraction that pulls stars into galaxies and planets into an orbit. Observing how gravity works on Earth helps us better understand objects in space.
Expanding Universe Hall Scavenger Hunt
- Find the stunning images of space as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope
- Explore the astronomical breakthroughs of Galileo, Newton, Hershel, and Hubble
What to do next
Light is incredible. Scientists use it to study the universe and everything in it, as well as in modern medicine to help heal the human body. Learn more about alternate uses for light in our Being Human Hall.
