The Universe
This view of nearly 10,000 galaxies is called the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. Read more here.
In this framework, we explore the Universe through three fundamental ideas: matter, space and radiation. Together, these concepts help us investigate stars, planets, galaxies and the physical laws that shape reality itself.
Everything we know, stars, planets, life, light, and even ourselves, exists within the Universe.
But what is the Universe actually made of?
Tarantula Nebula, a star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a neighbouring galaxy. Photo: Hari@starsafarinz
The observable Universe is unimaginably large. It is about 93 billion light-years across. Yet despite its immense complexity, the Universe can be explored through a few fundamental ideas: matter, space, and radiation.
How do we understand the Universe?
When we look up at the night sky, we see the stars and sometimes the Moon. Every morning, when the thinnest thread of blue light from the Sun reaches the blue-light receptors in our retina, we wake up.
We reach out to stop the alarm clock and feel the cold glass and metal of the buzzing phone. We push against the mattress, which in turn pushes back, and we are on our feet.
A new day has begun.
Explore the Universe
MATTER
The “stuff” of the Universe — atoms, stars, planets, life, and everything we can touch and measure.
Space
The vast distances and invisible structure between objects that shape the architecture of the cosmos.
Radiation
Light and energy travelling across space, carrying information from the distant Universe to us.
Wondering About the Universe
The beginning of asking what reality is made of.
Democritus lived more than 2,000 years ago, long before telescopes, particle accelerators or modern science. Yet he imagined that everything in the Universe might be made from tiny indivisible particles moving through empty space — an extraordinary idea that would later become one of the foundations of modern physics.
Continue Exploring
Bring SpacewardBound to your school
Explore the Universe through planetarium experiences, space science programmes and real-world exploration.
