Our Place in the Universe
Explore the big picture.
Where we've been and where we're going
As we learn more about our past, and simultaneously push harder against the final frontier, our universe gets smaller and smaller. How do we unlock its secrets with science on the ground and in the cosmos?
Articles for this theme
Space weather
How's the weather up there?
When we think about weather, we don't usually think about space. But phenomena like the aurora and space weather can have profound impacts on our daily lives.
Settling mars
To live where no one has lived before
As human travel to Mars becomes more feasible, UCalgary researchers tackle some of the challenges of living in space.
Careers in space
Making an astronaut
Children all over the world dream of traveling to space. A few follow that dream all the way into orbit, and others work to support space exploration from the ground. We talk to a few UCalgary alumni about pursuing their ambitions of space flight.
Quantum science
Beyond the final frontier
UCalgary scholars study the universe at its most fundamental level, including how to find and measure antimatter, how to build quantum computers, how to make teleportation possible, and even how our brains communicate.
Our place in the universe: The origin and evolution of Earth
All media for this theme
Tips for future Mars dwellers
Flying really high: The path to becoming an astronaut
Why should we care about space weather?
Is there a dark side to the northern lights?
Careers in space: Launching a livelihood in the stars
Solving the mysteries of the quantum world
How much does antimatter matter?
Can dinosaurs help us adapt to climate change?
Can sea monkeys take us to Mars?
Learn how Earthly creatures can help us overcome challenges in going to space.
Recommended stories for you
The roots of anxiety
Watch this webinar to find out what we know so far about the factors contributing to anxiety disorders and how advancing our understanding could help us predict who is at risk, as well as better target treatments for those already suffering.
Let food be thy medicine
A growing body of evidence indicates our current diets are unhealthy and a major cause of premature death and disability. Watch to learn more about the risks of poor diet, and how changes in nutrition policy could better support the health of all Canadians.
Poop to plastic
A gold medal-winning UCalgary student project converts human waste into useful bioplastic items for deep-space missions.
Cosmic collaboration
Thanks to international collaboration, astrophysics undergrads in Calgary and Beijing simultaneously study giant black hole.
Students present designs to NASA
A group of UCalgary engineering students get to present their ideas for space travel at a bio-inspired design conference.
New look at the old
Using reality capture technology, a UCalgary archaeologist creates 3D digital images of heritage sites around Alberta.
“Radical rethink” of evolution
The fossil of an early snake-like animal called Lethiscus stocki has kept its evolutionary secrets for the last 340 million years. Now, an international team of researchers has revealed new insights into the ancient Scottish fossil that dramatically challenge our understanding of the early evolution of tetrapods, or four-limbed animals with backbones.
Finding a family for 'Baby Louie'
Led by a UCalgary paleontologist, researchers have discovered the lineage of a 'baby dragon from China.'
Looking for life on other planets
Armed with a Gates Cambridge scholarship, a UCalgary graduate student heads to Cambridge to study exoplanets and hopefully answer some of our oldest questions about our universe.
The mystery of antimatter
As part of an international research team, UCalgary scientists are helping to unravel one of the universe’s big puzzles.
Uncovering dinosaur diversity in Japan
Analysis of a surprising eggshell fragment discovery shows a range of dinosaurs lived in the area.
Rating the severity of natural disasters
Jithamala Caldera, who lived through the Sri Lanka tsunami, helps gauge the need for international assistance after natural disaster strikes.
Night light too bright
An international study looking at skyglow – the brightness of the night sky caused by artificial light – finds that light pollution is widespread.
Quantum leaps and bounds
Advances in the so-called quantum Internet are moving at light speed, including a quantum information storage device developed at the University of Calgary.
Stay updated
Get our latest stories in your inbox every month. Sign up for our newsletters and receive stories of inspiration and discovery, event notifications, breaking news, and more.
Thank you for your submission.
Collection of personal information
Your personal information is collected under the authority of
section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and is required for updating your
email subscription preferences. If you have any questions about the collection or use of this information,
please visit our Access to Information page.