The universe comprises all of existence: all forms of matter and energy, and the structures they form, from sub-atomic particles to entire galactic filaments.

May 2, 2026 · Discover the universe: Learn about the history of the cosmos, what it's made of, and so much more. Concentrations of matter with gravity so powerful not even light can escape. Collections …

Aug 31, 2025 · It tells us that the universe began nearly 13.8 billion years ago in a cataclysmic event known as the Big Bang. From a state of unimaginable density and heat, space itself expanded, …

2 days ago · Universe, the whole cosmic system of matter and energy of which Earth is a part.

These are some of the questions addressed by cosmology, the study of the universe as a whole. Smithsonian astronomers and astrophysicists use observational and theoretical techniques to help …

May 3, 2022 · It's quite a big question and a lot is still unknown about the universe, but we'll tell you everything that we do know, from how the universe was created, how old it is and what it's even made...

The universe is all the matter, energy, and space that exist. We can observe only a part of it - the observable universe. The entire, universe, including the part we cannot see, may be infinite. Matter is …

Universe Map is your definitive guide to galaxies, stars, and cosmic structures — mapped, analyzed, and optimized for discovery and research.

Almost all our information about the universe comes from light emitted, absorbed, or reflected by the objects in it. Since light takes time to travel, the farther out into space we look, the further back in …

The universe is the sum total of all the planetary systems, stars, nebulae, galaxies, galactic clusters, black holes, and the atoms and molecules that make all these objects. It also contains all the energy …