Scale model (1:30) of a single telescope from the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS)

Namibia’s HESS observatory studies some of the most violent events in the universe, including exploding stars and supermassive black holes. Its four identical telescopes detect high-energy cosmic gamma rays produced by these objects. Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light known.

This model is one-thirtieth life size. Each of the four telescope dishes is actually 12 metres wide – 1½ times the length of this showcase.