Virtual Microscope

The Virtual Microscope is a cool software program that provides simulated scientific instrumentation.

The Virtual Microscope supports functionality from electron, light, and scanning probe microscopes, datasets for these instruments, training materials to learn more about microscopy, and other related tools. There are currently 90 samples totaling over 62 gigapixels of image data. It includes everything from Meteorites to Pond Scum to a Firefly!

You can download the program for FREE by clicking here (scroll to "Installers for Windows and Mac"). Once you have installed and opened the program, you can directly select from the many samples. Try adjusting the "Magnification" and "Opacity" controls to see some great detail!

Below is a screen shot of sand from Costa Rica at 1800x magnification: