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Big Idea: The formation of the universe can be explained by the big bang theory.

Boy looking through telescope at night

Optical Telescopes

Backgrounders

Learn about the history of telescopes and the function of refracting and reflecting optical telescopes.

Radio Telescope array at night

Radio Astronomy

Backgrounders

Learn about radio astronomy, a type of astronomy that studies objects in space using radio waves and radio telescopes.

Close-up of the Arecibo Observatory radio telescope

SETI - The Search for extraterrestrial Intelligence

Backgrounders

Some astronomers are not looking for stars, planets or galaxies. They are searching for intelligent life in the universe beyond our planet.

Adult and children looking through telescope

The Optics of Telescopes

Backgrounders

Learn about telescopes, how they work & why they're important to astronomers.

Why is everything so small down there?

Why is everything so small down there?

Hands-on Activities

Explore how we see things far and near and from different angles. It's all about perspective!

Mars Science Laboratory Parachute Qualification Testing

Testing Parachutes for Mars

STEM Explained

NASA engineers apply kinematics and dynamics to test parachutes designed specifically to help space probes land safely using aerodynamics.

The Parkes Observatory in New South Wales, Australia

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence - and How You Can Help!

STEM Explained

When astronomers search for extraterrestrial life, they often have to listen for radio waves coming from deep space. If you’re interested, you can help!

An artist’s impression of a habitable exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star

Searching for exoplanets around the star next door

STEM Explained

In planetary science, astronomers have found planets that orbit other stars, just like Earth orbits the Sun. Some of them might even be able to support life.