On Tour with Hubble

We’ve all seen the spectacular images from the Hubble Space Telescope. Truly, the beauty space competes with the most talented artists. But what are we really seeing?

While searching the web I came across the HubbleSite’s image tour, a set of interactive flash sequences which describe key features of well known Hubble photos. And knowing what you see only makes it more wondrous.

Not only are the photos wonderful, they remind us of our significicance, or rather, our insignificance — but if you need any further reminder, check out the Universe size comparison on youtube. It helps bring perspective to what is really important; somehow feeling small brings new perspectives to our problems and challenges. I think Carl Sagan sums it up well in this reading from Pale blue dot.