Museum of Science, Boston

Virtual Exhibit [Return to listing page]

Using high-energy electrons rather than light waves, the Museum's scanning electron microscope is able to show detailed, three-dimensional images at much higher magnification than a light microscope. It extends our observation beyond things that are too fast, too small, too far away, or simply invisible to the naked eye.

In this virtual exhibit's image gallery, get an up-close view of everyday objects like Velcro® or a dentist drill. See lichen magnified 1,000 times, or examine various perspectives of the same mosquito.

The scanning electron microscope is part of the renovated Seeing the Unseen exhibit, which reopens as Take a Closer Look this fall. This virtual exhibit is also undergoing a renovation; a new version will be launched soon.