This exhibit explores the known range of size scales in the cosmos, from the observable universe at the very largest, down to the nucleus of the atom at the very smallest.

The Hayden Sphere in front of you serves as a scale of reference for exploring this entire range of sizes.

For example, if the Hayden Sphere-26.5 meters (87 feet) in diameter-represents the size of the Sun, then Jupiter stretches 2.7 meters (9 feet) across, while Earth is a mere 24 centimeters (9.5 inches) in diameter.