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
This year's Smithsonian Craft Show, Creating Joy, opens Wednesday, May 1, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. and runs through Sunday, May 5. Continue reading 2024 Smithsonian Craft Show, “Creating Joy,” opens May 1
Although we recognize the importance of our volunteers every day, April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and a good time for Secretary Bunch to offer his personal thanks to all the volunteers who make our day-to-day operations possible. Continue reading Thank you to our volunteers!
The James Smithson Bicentennial Medal is reserved for individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of art, science, history, culture, education, or technology. Continue reading Thomas Haas honored with James Smithson Bicentennial Medal
Alexis Nolan rejoins OVS as Lead Volunteer Coordinator. Continue reading Alexis Nolan returns to OVS for a second tour of duty
Fifty years ago, Donna DeCorleto stepped off a tourist bus and into the Smithsonian's history. Continue reading It all began with a 20-minute tour
