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Credit & Copyright: Cary & Michael Huang
Explanation:
What does the universe look like on small scales?
On large scales?
Humanity is discovering that the universe is a very different
place on every proportion that has been explored.
For example, so far as we know, every tiny proton is
exactly the same, but every
huge galaxy is different.
On more familiar scales, a small glass table top to a human is a
vast plane of strange
smoothness to a
dust mite -- possibly
speckled with cell boulders.
Not all scale lengths are
well explored -- what happens to the smallest mist droplets you sneeze, for
example, is a topic of active research -- and possibly useful to know to help
stop the spread of disease.
The above interactive flash animation, a
modern version of the classic video
Powers of Ten,
is a new window to many of the
known scales of our universe.
By moving the scroll bar across the bottom, you can explore a
diversity
of sizes, while clicking on different items will bring up descriptive information.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day