Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Our Star: Our Sun
Smithsonian collections offer prismatic ways of understanding our relationship to the sun from art to astronomy to solar energy.
Looking up, wondering what’s beyond, and exploring the mysteries of the cosmos have been human pursuits for thousands of years. This urge to know more continues, inspiring exploration, creativity, and scientific advancement. Join us on a cosmic journey that takes us from our closest star, the sun, to the far reaches of the universe with events and virtual resources from across the Smithsonian.
Cosmic Events
Our Closest Star and Planetary Neighborhood
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) was established in 1890 as a research unit of the Smithsonian concentrating on studies of solar radiance. Today SAO's areas of research include virtually all branches of astrophysics as well as areas of earth and planetary sciences. Learn about the tool SAO built to probe the sun as it makes its closest approach to the sun in 2024. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is also a home for Earth and planetary research and shares a wealth of information on our solar system and its history.
Our Universe
The Smithsonian has been answering big questions about our atmosphere and beyond for more than a century at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. We continue to ask and answer questions through original research at the National Air and Space Museum and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA). Key areas of research at the CfA include exoplanets, the sun and solar weather, asteroids and comets, and "The Extreme Universe" that includes the study of black holes, pulsars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and magnetars.
Culture and the Cosmos
The Smithsonian’s resources lead us to connections across historical contexts, art movements, and cultural traditions to help us understand our place within space.
Human Spaceflight
In April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. Soon after in May 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space, when he piloted the Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7 on a suborbital flight. In July of 1969, the first human stepped on the surface of the Moon. The cosmic journey continues today with the International Space Station and developments in commercial spaceflight.
