Welcome!

How did the Universe begin? This question has occupied humanity for millennia. Whilst we have not yet answered this question, modern cosmology has taken us closer to it. This website describes how scientists working in the Simons Observatory collaboration are trying to advance our understanding of this fascinating area!

The Simons Observatory is going on tour! From the 30th of June 2026 to the 5th of July 2026 the Simons Observatory will be at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition.

Simons Observatory Small Aperture Telescope

Introducing the Simons Observatory

Cosmic microwave background map

What is the cosmic microwave background (CMB)?

How do we explain the CMB anisotropies?

What causes the CMB pattern?

Simons Observatory telescope hardware

How do we measure the CMB?

Measurement of the cosmic microwave background

How do we learn about the properties of the Universe from the CMB?

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition exterior

Find out more on the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition exterior

Find out more on the Simons Observatory Collaboration

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition banner