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Measuring the Cosmos

Understanding the universe requires accurate measurements

Some of humanity's biggest questions can be answered only by peering into the vast darkness of space. How did the universe begin, and what is its ultimate fate? How do stars, galaxies and black holes live and die? Is there life beyond our solar system? How much radiation does our Sun send into space?

To seek answers to these profound questions, scientists must measure very distant, very faint sources of light with exquisite precision and accuracy. That's where NIST comes in.

Where in the world are NIST sensors?

Click on the map below to learn more about the telescopes that include NIST electronics.

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