U.S. National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe illuminates how the development of new and more precise tools transformed our understanding of the origin, content, and fate of the universe.

Discover the history of modern astronomy and where the field is headed. Explore how we find answers in astronomy, how that process has changed over time, and how those answers tend to raise deeper questions.

Learn about all the ways we're transforming the Museum. 

Learn about our donors 

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National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
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Take a Look Inside the Gallery

Enjoy this artist's rendering depicting what the gallery will look like.

Hubble Space Telescope

In this Exhibition

Spectrograph, DTM Image Tube

Object

Spectrograph, Faint Object, Hubble Space Telescope (FOS)

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International Ultraviolet Explorer Engineering Model, IUE

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Spectrograph, Prime Focus

Object

Detector, Neutrino, Photomultiplier, Kamiokande II

Object

WMAP (Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe)

Object

Dive Deeper into Our Universe

The Great Observatories: Directing the Future of Astronomical Research The Vera C. Rubin Observatory and Women of Chilean Astronomy

The Museum gratefully acknowledges those who have generously supported this gallery.

U.S. National Science Foundation

Thomas W. Haas Foundation

Arnold Miller

Museum Transformation

Be the Spark

A major renovation is underway as we reimagine our galleries and presentation spaces in our iconic National Mall building in Washington, DC. Join us as we inspire a new generation of pioneers and explorers.

Learn About Our Transformation

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