It comprises all of existence, any fundamental interaction, physical process and physical constant, and therefore all forms of matter and energy, and the structures they form, from sub-atomic …

Dec 3, 2025 · 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 …

Dec 8, 2025 · Universe, the whole cosmic system of matter and energy of which Earth is a part.

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

3 days ago · Big Bang science explains the universe origin, key evidence, unresolved tensions, and how new James Webb data is reshaping cosmic history.

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 …

4 days ago · The Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile has released its final batch of data after 15 years — and it proves that the Hubble tension is very real.

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 …

So, the Universe is mainly made of nothing! Only around 5% of its mass is made up of everything we can see. The rest is made of dark matter (27%), which we can't see but can measure, as it …

The universe is filled with an amazing variety of celestial objects. Find out about astronomy through history, how we understand the sky, constellations, sky maps and stars, exoplanets, …