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  Our Place in Space
  Observing the Universe
  Our Place in Time
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Observing the Universe

In this highly interactive section, visitors explore the universe using the tools of some of the worldÕs foremost ground-based and space-borne observatories. With help from modern tools and the scientists who use them, we see how to piece together the story of the universe using the faint light of deep space.

Mauna Kea highlights the ways we observe the universe from Earth through a multi-media exploration of the Mauna Kea mountaintop in Hawaii, with a special focus on the Gemini Observatory. Use an interactive CD-rom to meet scientists who use and operate Mauna Kea telescopes; see a telescope mirror in the making; view beautiful telescope images; and control a telescope yourself Ñ request an image to be taken tonight and emailed to you tomorrow!

Chandra highlights the ways we observe the universe from space with a multi-media exploration of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Use an interactive CD-rom to meet scientists who use and operate Chandra; examine a model of this new space telescope; and view beautiful x-ray images of the universe.

Multi-wavelength Astronomy shows how astronomers use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to learn new things about the universe and the objects in it. This area is an introduction to the rainbow of light beyond what our eyes can see and an exploration of what different objects look like in those wavelengths. Use special multiwavelength viewers to explore the night sky; compare different views of stars, nebulae and galaxies on CD-rom with an astronomer as your guide; listen to an audio analogy for the electromagnetic spectrum.

Spectra Interactive demonstrates what light tells us about an object through a display about the information contained in a starÕs spectrum. Use a real spectroscope to analyze the light coming from different sources in a simulated star field.

Infrared Astronomy shows how infrared "eyes" can help us learn observe the world around us in new ways. This Multi-wavelength activity highlights the infrared band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Use a near-infrared camera to see phenomena invisible to your eyes.

Sky-watchers, Then & Now illustrates astronomical awareness throughout history and across many cultures with cross-cultural observations of the supernova explosion of 1054 A.D. Observe a reproduction of an ancient Native American bowl thought to document the supernovaÕs appearance.

Beyond Hubble provides up-to-date information about the latest developments in space science. Use a computer station and bulletin board to explore current astronomy news.


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