The Amoco Map of Space Mysteries

Interesting chart of cosmic mysteries published at the height of the Space Race.

The launch of Sputnik 1 in October of 1957 handed the United States its first “loss” in the Cold War Space Race and stunned the American public. Interest in outer space skyrocketed, and many companies were keen to capitalize on the widespread fascination with the cosmos. Sputnik, labeled as an instrumented satellite, can be seen flying 1,000 miles above Earth on this chart; issued in 1958 by the Amoco Oil Company.

Illustrated alongside the Soviet marvel are numerous “mysteries” of the galaxy, framed in order to boost optimism and encourage the audience there was much more to space than one measly satellite. Questions about gravity, cosmic rays, the expanding universe and many other celestial subjects still persist and warrant further study and investment, according to the image. The prospect of interstellar travel is also surmised under the title – “Scientists boldly envision a mammoth spaceship to carry an entire population on a voyage lasting many generations.”

The Space Age was truly upon us!