Archive showcase
2015 science image contest winners
A gallery celebrating scientific observation, imaging and visual explanation across multiple research fields.
Visual archive
Science in pictures
Look closely at the structures, scales and natural events that scientists observe—from cellular processes and animal behavior to atmospheric systems, ice and nanoscale engineering.
Browse the image collection
These archive selections pair memorable scientific subjects with short, accessible explanations. Some entries document past image contests; others examine one striking observation in detail.
Contest archive
2015 science image contest
Review the archived introduction to the 2015 call for images and the scientific visual storytelling it encouraged.
Archive showcase
2014 science image contest winners
Explore an earlier collection of images selected for scientific interest and visual clarity.
Atmosphere
Thunderstorm
A clear view of storm structure helps reveal the organized cells at the center of severe weather.
Biology
Muscular mouse
Imaging offers a window into protein synthesis and the biological processes involved in muscle tissue.
Animal senses
Bee vision
Flowers can look different to bees because their visual systems detect wavelengths that human eyes cannot see.
Polar life
Penguins
Emperor penguins negotiate the boundary between ocean and solid ice in a demanding Antarctic habitat.
Cell biology
Ties that bind
Cell imaging illustrates how a protein associated with tissue organization influences connections between neighboring cells.
Earth science
Take a tour of the ocean floor
Bathymetric mapping makes submerged ridges, trenches and continental margins visible at a planetary scale.
Light and water
Moonbow
Moonlight interacting with fine water droplets can create a faint nighttime counterpart to a rainbow.
Human biology
Melanocytes
Light-sensitive responses in pigment-producing skin cells show that detecting light is not limited to the eyes.
Satellite view
Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, Iceland
An overhead perspective reveals the glacier's flow, fractured surface and relationship with the surrounding terrain.
Ice crystals
Let it snow
Unusual crystal forms demonstrate how temperature and moisture shape snow as it develops in the atmosphere.
Nanotechnology
The tiniest car in the world
A molecular-scale machine provides an approachable introduction to dimensions measured in billionths of a meter.
Migration
Follow that flock!
Mapping bird movement helps researchers examine migration routes, seasonal timing and changing habitats.
About this collection
Reading a scientific image
A compelling picture can make an unfamiliar scale or process easier to approach, but the image is only the beginning. Captions, methods and context explain what was recorded and what conclusions the evidence supports.
Notice the scale
Ask whether the view is microscopic, human-sized, landscape-scale or planetary.
Identify the method
Photography, microscopy, satellite sensing and data mapping reveal different kinds of information.
Check the color
Some colors are natural; others are added to distinguish structures or represent measurements.
Read the limits
One image can illustrate an observation without proving every proposed explanation.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of images are in this archive?
The collection includes scientific photography, microscope imagery, satellite views, maps and visual explanations of natural phenomena.
Are all colors in scientific images natural?
No. Researchers sometimes assign colors to wavelengths, measurements or structures that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for human eyes to distinguish.
Why does scale matter?
Scale determines what an image can show. A cellular view, weather image and satellite landscape each represent very different dimensions and evidence.
Are the image contests still accepting submissions?
No. The contest pages in this collection are retained as historical archive material; their original submission periods have ended.
How should older visual stories be used?
Use them for foundational context and historical perspective. Consult current specialist sources if a decision depends on recent measurements or research.
How can I contact Whyfiles?
Email info@whyfiles.en-html.org or visit the contact page.