The diameter of the observable universe is about 9,200 times the diameter of the Local Group. Selected basis: approximate values.
The ring marks the true-scale position of the Local Group; it does not show its width. Only the inset is enlarged (×2,940).
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
28.21 Gpc - Diameter; cosmological estimate.
The observable universe is the region from which light or other signals have had time to reach us since the early universe.
About 92 billion light-years across in present-day comoving distance. Space expanded while the light travelled. The 13.8-billion-year age is a time, not its radius divided by light speed. The total universe may be far larger, possibly infinite.
NASA — How big is space? (2025)3.066 Mpc - Diameter; rounded reference.
The Local Group is a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, Andromeda, and several smaller galaxies.
A rounded 10 million light-year span for the neighbourhood of galaxies. Galaxy groups have no solid edge.
Defined examples — our methodology
There’s always another scale
SpaceObservable universe28.21 GpcThe observable universe is the region from which light or other signals have had time to reach us since the early universe.
SpaceLocal Group3.066 MpcThe Local Group is a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, Andromeda, and several smaller galaxies.
SpaceMilky Way30.66 kpcThe Milky Way is a spiral galaxy containing hundreds of billions of stars, including our Solar System.
Fundamental physicsPlanck length1.616 × 10⁻³⁵ mThe Planck length is a scale formed from fundamental physical constants.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.Side by side
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?