Since 1974, the Small World photomicrography competition has been exploring a world that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Sponsored by Nikon Instruments Inc., it is considered “the leading forum for celebrating the beauty and complexity of objects seen through the microscope,” according to a press release.

The top 20 photographs will be on display through Nov. 22 at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland.

Ranging from chemical compounds to biological specimens, the annual competition received nearly 2,000 submissions from around the world.

The entries were judged on originality, informational content, technical proficiency and visual impact.

The 2008 winning photograph of pleurosigma (marine diatoms) was taken by Michael Stringer. The image was magnified 200 times and taken using a dark field and polarized light.

“The photo that Michael Stringer produced is remarkable, as were all the contributions to Small World 2008,” said Lee Shuett, the executive vice president of Nikon Instruments. “To see the world’s tiniest objects captured in such a majestic way puts our very existence into perspective.”

The exhibit will be on display in the hallway outside of OMSI’s Life Science hall.

Museum admission is $11 for adults and $9 for seniors (63 and older) and youth (ages 3 to 13). Parking is $2.

For more information, contact 503-797-4000 or visit www.omsi.edu.