Universe in a Nutshell

Wait But Why & Kurzgesagt

About this app

The range of size in the universe, from the tiniest particles to the epic galaxies—we take you on a journey of size that lets you explore it all with a single swipe. How big is a planet, compared to a human? And how small is an atom really? You can’t fully wrap your head around the scope of things by just reading about them – so this app lets you experience them in comparison to get a feeling for their true scale. By simply swiping you can zoom in and out all the way from the world of fundamental particles up to the largest galaxies at the edge of the observable universe.

Seamless zooming between the scales of 10^-35 meters to 10^26 meters (no math required)

Amazing fun facts for various scale levels, like the smallest bacterium and the largest black hole

Tap any object for an explanation of what it is, how it works, and our favorite mind-blowing facts

Beautifully animated illustrations of more than 250 objects

Original Kurzgesagt music to complement your experience

Ratings and reviews

Zero ads, great and simple controls, and a hint of comedy too. I see no problems with this, except one. When you tap on a planet or star, or anything else, sometimes it doesn't register, and so can you make it more sensitive if you can? Edit: it turns out my phone is just old and takes time to more accurately detect taps. (Like I know how that works.)

Very interesting app. Lots to learn. I'd recommend adding some sort of comparison feature where you can select 2 or more items and have them specifically compared to one another. For example, It would be cool to see mt. everest on the same plane with central park... Or an oxygen molecule next to the coronavirus... Ya know, for no particular reason...

Totally awesome, in the old school sense of the word. I love being able to zoom in and out of reality to the smallest and largest possible dimensions and that you can learn about every single item. It's truly brilliant, mind boggling, and beautiful (expect for Tim's one suck figure, which is his classic, endearing third grade art)! Buy this app. I very rarely buy apps, but this is worth it. Show it to every human around you, big or small. All of them will enjoy it!

What’s new

fix: possible security vulnerabilities