Monday, August 26, marks 20 years to the day since we received the “First Light” image from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, of an exploded star 11,000 light-years away called Cassiopeia Continue reading Twenty years later, “First Light” continues to glow
On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined “planet” and reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet. The demotion caused an uproar. After all, in the words of one esteemed scientist, “A dwarf hamster is still a hamster.” We revisited the debate a decade later. Continue reading Is Pluto a planet? The votes are in!
The Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System must be be very energetic indeed to capture 300 images a second. On Feb. 22, 2018, as the asteroid Imprinetta passed between the Earth and a distant star known as TYC 5517-227-1, a team of astronomers who had predicted the event captured it with a camera shooting… Continue reading Visiting asteroids help scientists measure the size of distant stars
Kidwell was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society at its September meeting. Continue reading Peggy Kidwell recognized for her distinguished contributions to the history of women in the sciences
Art, Oprah and a possible panda pregnancy made the news this week. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was June 3 – June 9, 2018
If the past informs the present, the present predicts the future, so we took a look at the future of food, the fate of family heirlooms and whether philanthropy can cleanse a questionable past. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Oct. 22 – Oct. 28, 2017
It was a tough week for everyone as we focused on healing both the human damage from natural disasters and devastation to the natural world caused by human action. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Oct. 1 – Oct. 7, 2017
No matter where you are, you can experience the rare total eclipse of our local star in August with the help of a free app from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Continue reading You don’t have to be emo to have a dark night of the Sol
This week, we pondered the cost of art: Who pays? How much is too much? Who owns a culture’s heritage? How much should a bag of dust cost? Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was July 16 – July 22, 2017
We looked at the past, envisioned the future and gazed at the stars for some cosmic insight this week. Plus, zombie crabs! And we’re relieved that Bei Bei’s okay-kay. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Nov. 20 – Nov. 26, 2016
To commemorate the birthday of "The Greatest," we revisit the life of Muhammad Ali, one of America's most iconic athletes. Continue reading Happy birthday to “The Greatest”
A special message of gratitude and warm wished for a happy new year from Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, III. Continue reading Happy New Year!
The recipients of the 2019 Smithsonian Education Awards for Achievement and Innovation were announced by Secretary Bunch Dec. 17. Continue reading 2019 Smithsonian Education Award winners announced
Jane Milosch will pursue her interest in international cultural heritage at the university of Glasgow. Continue reading Jane Milosch is departing for Scotland
Smithsonian volunteers may not be paid, but there are other compensations, such as the opportunity to go on special tours, get insider insights on exhibitions and—cookies! Continue reading Enrichment Replay: Wrapping up 2019
This week we learned of an enormous structure of hot gas in the middle of the Milky Way. We’re fairly certain it did not originate on Earth. But then again… Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week than was January 3 – January 10, 2020
January 17, 1883. The Board of Regents asks Congress for more money for the U.S. National Museum. They don't get it. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: January 17, 1883
