(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

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Planets and our solar system

Our solar system consists of the sun, nine planets, satellites, comets and asteroids, but 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? Discover the Museum’s role in space exploration and research.

  • A pillar of dust and gas in the Orion Nebula.
    How did the solar system form?

    We know that the solar system formed around 4.5 billion years ago but what is the evidence for this and how did it happen?

  • An artist's impression of our home galaxy, the Milky Way © NASA
    Our place in the universe

    With a circumference of over 40,000 kilometres, the Earth feels very large. In relation to our solar system, our galaxy and beyond it is in fact tiny.

  • Photograph of the moon
    The moon

    Humans have been fascinated by the moon for centuries and in 1969 we visited for the first time. But how did it get there? What is it made from? And why does it go through different phases?

  • The planets © NASA / JPL / Caltech
    The search for life: Astrobiology

    Are we alone? Explore the places in our solar system where life might be found in a search for life in our galaxy and beyond.

  • Surface of Mars
    Surface of Mars

    Take a virtual tour of Mars, looking out for the north pole and the ancient highlands as you rotate the Red Planet’s globe.

  • Space Invaders
    Space Invaders (video)

    Should we send people to Mars? Will we ever colonise it? Experts from around the world debate these fascinating issues.

  • Apollo 11: Fact or fake?
    Apollo 11: Fact or fake? (video)

    Discover if there is any truth to the theory that claims astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin never made it to the moon.

  • Beagle 2
    Beagle 2 (video)

    What was the Museum’s role in Beagle 2’s mission to Mars? Find out with planetary researcher Sarah Russell.

  • Planetary geology
    Planetary geology (video)

    Museum cosmochemist Caroline Smith takes a close look at the geology of objects far, far away.

  • To the edge of the Universe
    To the edge of the Universe video (video)

    Unravel the mysteries of the Big Bang, hitch a ride on an asteroid and search for life on Mars with meteorite-hunter Monica Grady.

  • Lost in Space
    Lost in Space (video)

    we have only just begun to probe the mysteries of the Universe, planetary astronomer Phill Bland continues the exploration.

  • The Drake Equation
    The Drake equation (video)

    What are the mathematical chances of alien civilisations existing in the universe? Planetary geologist Matt Genge attempts to calculate...

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