Scales of the Universe November 1, 2009

A major feature of the Rose Center is the Scales of the Universe exhibit along the 400-foot-long walkway that hugs the glass wall of the cube. This unique exhibit, which employs the facility's architectural features by using the Hayden Sphere as a basis for comparison, explores the vast range of sizes in the cosmos -- from the observable universe to our planet to a tiny electron. Along the walkway, stations introduce visitors, by increments of the power of ten, to the relative sizes of atoms, planets, stars and galaxies, by using text panels, interactive terminals and both large, overhead and small, rail-mounted models. Enormous, realistically rendered planets, stars and galaxies, including a nine-foot-diameter model of Jupiter and a model of Saturn with 17-foot-diameter rings, are suspended from the ceiling of the building.