Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe

The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe, located on the lower level of the Rose Center for Earth and Space, presents the discoveries of modern astrophysics. Divided into four zones, the hall covers the formation, evolution, and properties of stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe.

The Universe Zone explores the expansion of the universe and the limits of human observation. The Galaxies Zone celebrates the beauty, diversity, and violent history of galaxies. The Stars Zone traces the life and death of stars, and links the stars to the elements created by them, including the chemical building blocks of human bodies. The Planets Zone focuses on the variety of planets and their structure, in addition to examining major collisions that have occurred on Earth.

The Cullman Hall of the Universe features exhibits rich with astronomical imagery, specimens that include the 15.5-ton Willamette Meteorite, and media displays that highlight topics in astronomy and astrophysics. At its center, the 13.5-foot-wide Astro Bulletin screen showcases regularly updated features on the latest discoveries in astrophysics. Interactive exhibits include floor scales at various locations that display a visitor’s weight on Mars, Jupiter, the Sun, and other celestial bodies.

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In This Hall

Exhibit The Universe The observable universe contains as many as 100 billion galaxies and extends a billion light-years in every direction. Exhibit Galaxies Galaxies are the basic building blocks of the universe. Exhibit Stars The human eye can see about 6,000 stars in the night sky. Photographs reveal millions more in every direction. Exhibit Planets The Sun, an unremarkable star, holds in orbit a system of planets. Exhibit The Moon The Moon is a dead world. It has no atmosphere or water, so it cannot support life. Exhibit Black Hole Exhibit The Black Hole exhibit in the Cullman Hall of the Universe features a swirling gas sculpture that shows how matter streams into a... Museum Hall Guide Resources For Educators: Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe Educator Guide and student activities for the Cullman Hall of the Universe exhibition.