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 

 National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC Plan Your Visit Related Topics: Astronomy Telescopes Science Technology and Engineering Satellites Solar System Exoplanets Small solar system bodies Dwarf planets 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) Object International Ultraviolet Explorer Engineering Model, IUE Object 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

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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