Alternately sipping and gulping space matter, the black hole at the center of our galaxy once pulsed with energy Continue reading The ghosts of gamma rays reveal our galactic past
Could our solar system harbor an alien world far beyond Pluto? Continue reading Gotcha! Stars capture rogue planets
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” never warned us about catching a ride on a hypervelocity planet. Continue reading Planet Starship: Runaway planets zoom out of our Galaxy at warp-speed
Smithsonian astronomers have identified an entirely new kind of planet only 40 light-years away. Continue reading Hubble Space Telescope reveals a giant “Waterworld.” (No sign of Kevin Costner.)
Four new galaxies have been discovered that are so distant the expansion of the universe has stretched their light. Continue reading Seeing red: A strange new “species” of galaxy
If robots dream of electric sheep, maybe ET would use a nightlight. Continue reading City lights could reveal alien civilizations
The mystery of the “dark matter” that holds the universe together is more obscure than ever. Continue reading In the dark, it all matters
There is no theory that accounts for the energy pulses coming from the Crab Nebula. Continue reading Pulsar dazzles astronomers with its gamma-ray beams
Astronomers have discovered a planet that orbits two suns, just as the planet Tatooine does in the epic “Star Wars.” Continue reading In a galaxy not so far away: Luke Skywalker’s home planet?
Astronomer named one of the year’s “Brilliant Ten” scientists for devising a way to actually touch the sun. Continue reading In the news: Justin Kasper touches the sun
The Smithsonian's 12th collaboration with USA Today honors American veterans. Continue reading America’s Veterans: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice
Secretary Bunch announces a generous gift from Lily Endowment to fund the Smithsonian's celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. Continue reading A new $40 million grant will fund America’s 250th programming and events
After three decades answering visitors' questions, is there anything she doesn't know about the Smithsonian? Continue reading Bridget Balog celebrates 30 years with the Smithsonian
Meet the newest member of the OVS staff: An enthusiastic historian and writer with a touch of Army discipline. Continue reading Introducing Troy Huber
The Office of Visitor Services is excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new season of volunteer Smithsonian Ambassadors! Continue reading Ambassadors needed to meet visitors where they are
