Space
Astronaut in Space, © NASA
How much do scientists know about our solar system? Out of nine planets, is ours really the only one to sustain life? How can meteorites tell us about other planets, and even how the solar system first began? Explore our universe with the help of the Museum, and discover the role the Museum plays in space exploration and research.
Planets and our solar system
As far as we know, there is only life on Earth. Will we ever discover otherwise? How much do we really know about our universe?
Other planetary systems
Whether or not our solar system is the only planetary system in the universe has intrigued scientists and philosophers for hundreds of years. So is there any evidence for extrasolar planets?
Meteorites
Meteorites vary in size from a fraction of a millimetre to bigger than a football pitch and they fall to Earth all the time. Explore the fascinating facts about meteorites including how to find, identify and study them.
Asteroids
What and where is the asteroid belt? And what makes an asteroid shoot away from the belt and crash to Earth?
Comets
Comets, with their long tails, appear like ghostly apparitions that glide across the night sky. Discover more about these objects and what causes meteor showers on Earth.
Meteors
Meteors are often confused with meteorites. Do you know the difference? And what causes spectacular meteor storms, which can be seen at certain times of the year?
Impacts
Planets and their moons have collided with asteroids and comets frequently throughout our solar system's 4.5-billion-year history. How often is Earth hit and where is the biggeset impact crater?
Toolbox
In World War II the Museum was used as a secret base to develop new gadgets for allied spies, including an exploding rat!