From Earth to the Universe

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Until 30 May

Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy, From Earth to the Universe takes you on the ultimate photographic trip through space.

See a collection of extraordinary images showcasing the beauty and mystery of our Universe. Discover how the telescope has expanded our knowledge and vision since Galileo’s first observations 400 years ago.

From our nearest neighbours in the solar system, to the star clusters of the Milky Way and beyond, explore the wonders of the Universe through large format images of planets, comets, nebulae, supernovae and galaxies.

Captured using state-of-the-art telescopes and space probes, the images reveal fascinating astronomical sights as well as spectacular colours and patterns.

The exhibition also features a display of rarely seen objects from the Museum’s collection including a hand-crafted replica of one of Galileo’s early telescopes.

The Horsehead nebula
The horse-like shape is that of a partly transparent column of dust seen against a vivid red curtain of glowing hydrogen.
Distance 1500 light years
Imaged in visible light
Credit: European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Tycho's supernova
In 1572 Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe noted a bright new star that became known as Tycho's supernova. More than four centuries later an X-ray image of the remnant of the exploded star shows an expanding high temperature turmoil.
Distance 7500 light years
Image made in X-rays of three different energies
Credit: NASA/CXC/Rutgers/J.Warren & J.Hughes et al.

The Antennae
Two galaxies smashing together with their dust and gas colliding to create billions of new stars.
Distance: 45 million light-years
Credit (main image): NASA/ESA/ Hubble Heritage Team STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration
Credit (inset) Anglo-Australian Observatory/Kitt Peak Observatory

Light echo (detail)
In early 2002 the unusual variable star V838 Monocerotis briefly increased in brightness to become 600 000 times brighter than the Sun. Light spreading out from this sudden eruption now illuminates details of the dust in the region surrounding the star.
Imaged in visible light
Distance about 20 000 light years
Credit: NASA, ESA, and H. Bond (STScI)

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