See a Diamond Planet, an Exploding Star and a Black Hole Up Close in a New Immersive Virtual Reality Experience

Article excerpt

The Smithsonian has created an immersive virtual reality experience that lets visitors walk through a three-dimensional cosmos, complete with a diamond planet, an exploding star, and a close-up view of a black hole. Developed in consultation with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and astronomers worldwide, the VR installation functions as a "documentary that you can walk through," translating cutting-edge astronomical science into an interactive visual environment. The experience allows visitors to explore cosmic phenomena at scales and distances that would otherwise remain abstract or invisible, bringing the universe within arm's reach.