Entering the 21st century, astronomy has shed the labels of political and religious influence, becoming an independent and rational discipline. As humanity boldly gazes into the depths of the cosmos, our understanding of the universe undergoes rapid transformations. Gravitational waves, black holes, dark matter... new theories and observations continually expand the limits of human knowledge. These works represent the courage and wisdom of our quest to explore the unknown, inspiring us to break through the boundaries of science and imagination as we set sail deeper into the universe.
进入 21 世纪，天文学最终撕下了政治宗教武器的标签，成为了一个独立理性的学科。在人类大胆地将目光投向更深邃的宇宙空间，我们对宇宙的认知也进入了一次又一次加速的变革。引力波、黑洞、暗物质 ...... 新的理论和观测依据不断扩宽人类认知的极限。这些作品都代表着人类探索未知世界的勇气与智慧，激励我们不断突破科学与想象的边界，向宇宙的更深处扬帆远航。
进入 21 世纪，天文学最终撕下了政治宗教武器的标签，成为了一个独立理性的学科。在人类大胆地将目光投向更深邃的宇宙空间，我们对宇宙的认知也进入了一次又一次加速的变革。引力波、黑洞、暗物质 ...... 新的理论和观测依据不断扩宽人类认知的极限。这些作品都代表着人类探索未知世界的勇气与智慧，激励我们不断突破科学与想象的边界，向宇宙的更深处扬帆远航。
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Pillars of Creation 创世之柱 Composite digital image, 1995 NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), J. Hester, P. Scowen (Arizona State University) This famous photograph showcases the nebular structures located in the Eagle Nebula (M16). These "pillars" are colossal formations made up of cold gas and dust, extending several light-years in length. In these regions, new stars are born, emitting intense ultraviolet radiation and strong winds that disperse the surrounding gas and dust. 这张著名的照片展示了位于鹰状星云（M16）的星云结构。这些“柱子”是由冷气体和尘埃组成的巨大结构，长度达到数光年。新生恒星在这些区域形成并发出强烈 的紫外线辐射和强风，将周围的气体和尘埃吹散。 |
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Observable Universe
可观测宇宙 Logarithmic illustration, 2012 Pablo Carlos Budassi This cosmic illustration depicts a universe rendered in a logarithmic radial scale, encompassing the range from the solar system to the observable edge of the universe. At the center lies the solar system, surrounded by stars, galaxies, and large galaxy clusters, including the cosmic microwave background radiation. This representation clearly showcases the hierarchical structure and complexity of the universe. The use of a logarithmic scale allows for the vastness of the cosmos to be compactly presented. 这幅宇宙图景展示了一个以对数径向比例绘制的宇宙图景，涵盖了从太阳系到可观测宇宙边缘的范围。中心是太阳系，外层是恒星、星系和大型星系团，还包含了宇宙微波背景辐射，清晰地展示了宇宙结构的层级和复杂性。此图以对数比例缩放，使得广袤的宇宙可以被紧凑地呈现。 |
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RAMSES Simulation of the Formation of a Galaxy Disk
旋涡星系形成过程的 4 个阶段 Computer images, 1995 CCRT Computing Center |
These four images depict the formation process of a spiral galaxy in four stages, simulated by the Titan supercomputer. The images present a blue disk filled with intricate spirals and details, resembling the structure of the Milky Way as observed in reality. These simulated images aid astronomers in better understanding the shape of the galaxy, the distribution and movement of stars, as well as the matter and energy contained within it.
这 4 张图片是由泰坦超级计算机模拟出的旋涡星系形成过程的 4 个阶段。图像呈现出一个蓝色的圆盘，内部充满了复杂的旋涡和细节，类似于实际观测到的银河系结构。这种模拟图像帮助天文学家更好地理解银河系的形状、恒星的分布和运动，以及其中包含的物质和能量。 |
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Interior of Saturn's RingsInterior of Saturn's Rings
土星环内部 Illustration, 2012 Luděk Pesek This image depicts a dense region of asteroids and rocky debris orbiting Saturn. Countless rocks of varying sizes float in space, creating a chaotic yet captivating scene. In the background, Saturn appears in shades of yellow and brown, its iconic rings forming a bright luminous band that spans the entire composition. The scene captures the dynamic and turbulent environment of the planetary ring system, highlighting the vast quantity and diversity of cosmic debris that orbits the planet. 这幅图像描绘了围绕土星运行的小行星和岩石碎片的密集区域。无数大小不一的岩石悬浮在太空中，形成一个混乱而又令人着迷的场景。背景中的土星呈黄褐色，其标志性的星环犹如一条明亮的发光带横贯整个画面。整个场景捕捉到了行星环系统的动态和动荡环境，突出了围绕行星运行的宇宙碎片的巨大数量和多样性。 |
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Large-Scale Structure in the Near-Domain Universe
近域宇宙中的大尺度结构 Digital, dimensions variable, 2013 John Huchra, Thomas Jarrett, 2MASS Collaboration, U. Mass., IPAC |
This image was captured through the 2MASS infrared sky survey project. The panoramic view showcases the distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters in the universe, revealing the large-scale structure of the cosmos. Different colors are used to indicate varying degrees of redshift, which reflect the speed and distance at which galaxies are moving away from Earth. The bright spots and filaments in the image represent galaxies and galaxy clusters, with these structures intricately woven together to form a complex cosmic web through gravitational interactions.
这张图片是通过 2MASS 红外线巡天项目拍摄的。这幅全景图展示了宇宙中星系和星系团的分布，揭示了宇宙的大尺度结构。图中使用了不同颜色表示红移的不同程度，即星系远离地球的速度和距离。图中的亮点和条纹代表了星系和星系团，这些结构通过引力相互作用形成了复杂的宇宙网。 |
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The Cosmic Microwave Background Measurements of the CMB，2013
宇宙微波背景 Digital, dimensions variable, 2012 NASA, WMAP Science Team |
This image illustrates the cosmic microwave background radiation, the afterglow left over from the Big Bang. The blue and orange regions represent slight temperature fluctuations, with blue areas being slightly cooler than the average temperature, while orange areas are slightly warmer. This image provides crucial evidence for the Big Bang theory, showcasing the process by which the universe expanded and cooled from an extremely hot and dense state.
这张图片展示了宇宙微波背景辐射，这是大爆炸后留下的余辉。蓝色和橙色区域代表了微小的温度波动，蓝色区域比平均温度略低，橙色区域则比平均温度略高。这张图片提供了关于大爆炸理论的重要证据，显示了宇宙从极其热和密的状态膨胀和冷却的过程。 |
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Architectural Guide: Moon
月球基地概念 concept illustration, 2013 European Space Agency, Foster+Partners This concept illustration of a lunar base artistically imagines potential living and working facilities that could be constructed on the moon's surface. The image depicts a series of interconnected domes and modular structures scattered across the desolate lunar landscape. These structures are designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the lunar environment, including intense radiation, micrometeorite impacts, and extreme temperatures. 这幅月球基地概念图，是对未来可能建造在月球表面的居住和工作设施的艺术想象。图中显示了一组相连的圆顶和模块化结构，散布在月球荒凉的地表上。这些结构被设计成能抵御月球环境的极端条件，如强烈的辐射、微陨石撞击和极端温度。 |
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The First Detection of Black Holes
首次探测到黑洞 Digital visualization, 2015/2016 S. Ossokine, A. Buonanno, W. Benger This image illustrates a simulated scenario of two black holes orbiting each other and eventually merging. The orange waves represent the gravitational waves generated during the merger process, while the central part of the image displays the visual effect of the two black holes. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime produced by the motion of massive celestial bodies, and they were first detected by the LIGO observatory in 2015. 这张图片展示了两个黑洞相互绕转并最终合并的模拟场景。橙色的波浪代表了黑洞在合并过程中产生的引力波，图像的中心部分显示了两个黑洞的视觉效果。引力波是由大质量天体运动产生的时空波动，由 LIGO 探测器在2015 年首次观测到。 |
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The Weather Project 天气计划 Installation art, 2003-2004 Olafur Eliasson This art installation utilizes light, mist, and reflective effects to create a large, glowing sun suspended in the center of the museum's turbine hall. This "sun" is composed of hundreds of monochromatic light tubes emitting an orange-yellow glow, while the entire hall is filled with mist, causing the light to scatter and creating an ethereal atmosphere. Visitors can move freely within the hall, with many lying on the ground, gazing up at this artificial sun, experiencing an immersive sensation akin to that of a natural phenomenon. 这个艺术装置作品利用了灯光、雾气和反射效果，创造出一个巨大的、发光的太阳挂在美术馆的涡轮大厅中央。这个“太阳”由数百个单色灯管组成，发出橙黄色的光，整个大厅充满了迷雾，使得光线散射并营造出一种虚幻的氛围。观众可以在大厅自由活动，许多人躺在地上，仰望着这个人造太阳，体验一种与自然现象相似的沉浸式感受。 |
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Infinity Mirror Rooms
无限镜屋 Installation art, 2013 Yayoi Kusama This is part of the "Infinity Mirror Room" series created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. These art installations utilize mirrors and light to create a space that appears to extend infinitely, providing visitors with a fantastical experience of being surrounded by countless lights. The hanging colored bulbs emit a soft glow, forming a scene reminiscent of being immersed in a cosmic starry sky, evoking a sense of infinite space and time. 这是日本艺术家草间弥生创作的《无限镜屋》系列中的一部分。这些艺术装置利用镜子和灯光，创造出一个仿佛无限延伸的空间，观众进入其中会感受到被无数灯光包围的奇幻体验。悬挂的彩色小灯发出柔和的光芒，形成了一个仿佛置身于宇宙星空中的景象，使人感受到无尽的空间和时间的存在。 |
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