A micrograph is a highly magnified image taken through a microscope or similar device. When I searched the internet for high quality micrographs, I found very few in the public domain. Some of the most spectacular images can be licensed, but there is a hefty fee.

A decision had to be made by the owner of this site (me), do I show a really cool scanning electron micrograph with this article or buy a big screen TV?

Why is it that I can share views from the orbiting Hubble telescope, but not from an earth bound microscope? One reason is that it is difficult to market what you catch in the Crab Nebula. I think it is safe to say that the majority of images captured by advanced microscopes today are not available at any price, as these pictures are developed for a competitive edge, not a community calendar.

A stem cell, like a distant star, would be impossible to see without the collective achievements of humanity. In my opinion, views of the otherwise invisible should be available to everyone, not just those who are fortunate enough to have access to the necessary equipment. 

The future would look brighter if inner space was as visible as outer space. And though I may not understand everything I see in a cluster of atoms or galaxies, I feel more connected with the universe when I do. -ffa

Here are some web sites I found with public micrographs

Public Health Image Library

NIAID

If you know of any sources for public micrographs I missed, (I can't see a thing without my glasses), please send them and kindly disregard this article.