The extent of the universe and its ultimate shape are tantalizing mysteries. But the universe that we might one day be able to chart, given sufficiently powerful instruments, is thought to extend about 45 billion light-years from Earth in every direction. Matter may well exist beyond, but a physical constraint - the speed of light - renders it just outside our reach.

Explore the universe with this gorgeous and informative map! This map of the universe uses graphic leaps of scales to show how our solar system fits within the vastness of the universe. From our solar system, made up of our sun and its eight planets, our neighborhood (stretching 20 light years in all directions), our galactic realm, our local group, to the entirety of the known universe itself, this map offers a compelling and comprehensive look into the sheer size of existence itself.

This map is an attractive product for the budding astronomer. It makes an essential companion to Milky Way: Earth's Galactic Home.

This map is found in National Geographic's 11th Edition World Atlas and is now available as a stand alone product.

Page Size: 21.5 x 16.25 in (540 x 413 mm)