Smithsonian Stories

Stories that spark curiosity from the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.

crocodile with frozen treat
Smithsonian Story

How Do National Zoo Animals Beat the Heat?

The animal care specialists at the Smithsonian’s National have a few tricks up their sleeves to bring relief.
rocket with probe
Smithsonian Story

A Solar Probe Is on Its Way to Touch the Sun

The journey will culminate in 2024 with its closest ever approach of 3.83 million miles.
yellow orchid with magenta highlights
Smithsonian Story

See Thousands of Orchids in Incredible Detail

You don’t need to water these dazzling orchids to enjoy them.
snake with bright red eyes on plant
Smithsonian Story

Newly Discovered Snakes Use Curved Teeth to Pry Snails from Their Shells

Five new species of snail-eating snake have been discovered by a team working in Ecuador and Peru.
fabric swatches of color
Smithsonian Story

The Story Behind the Color

The natural world is full of color, but who chooses the color for the products we buy?
astronauts eating ice cream
Smithsonian Story

Space is the Best Place to Eat Ice Cream

The stable temperature and microgravity of a space station makes it a perfect place to eat the frozen treat.
orangutan with pumpking
Smithsonian Story

The Zoo Guide to Fine Dining

Forget the reservations, white tablecloth, and mother-of-pearl caviar spoons. Learn about the art of fine dining—zoo style.
men on horses surrounding a tree with guns pointed.
Smithsonian Story

An Artist Emphasizes Those Erased from History

During the American expansion west, many groups became the targets of racial violence.
tortoise
Smithsonian Story

Five Fun Turtle and Tortoise Facts

Learn about the differences between turtles and a tortoises and some fun facts.
backyard with man grilling and woman at outdoor dining table
Smithsonian Story

Invention of the American Backyard

Five facts about the American backyard to ponder with your patio pals.
woman in a dress on a bicycle.
Smithsonian Story

The 19th-Century Bicycle Craze

Millions of Americans rode bicycles at the end of the 1800s. Learn how the craze empowered women and changed fashion.
femail cockroach
Smithsonian Story

Helicopter Cockroach Moms

The cockroach parenting method—which includes feeding, guarding, and keeping their young very close—has served the insects for at least 125 million years.
discussing the name of a plant
Smithsonian Story

Why Languages Become Endangered, and How We Can Keep Them Alive

Animal species can become endangered, but what about languages?
Horten Ho 229
Smithsonian Story

Desperate for Victory, the Nazis Built an Aircraft That Was All Wing

Toward the end of World War II, the Nazis proposed a host of seemingly bizarre projects in an effort to turn the tide in their favor.
women working in an office
Smithsonian Story

Women “Computers” Mapped the Universe

At a time when women’s job opportunities outside the home were limited, the women computers at the Harvard College Observatory were challenging the norm.
green tractor with large yellow spoked wheels
Smithsonian Story

Five Ways the Tractor Changed American Farming

Learn a bumper crop of facts about the unsung heroes of the American farm.
group of narwhals with tusks in the air
Smithsonian Story

Meet the World’s Weirdest Whale

Swimming in the frigid waters of the Arctic, the narwhal is one of the world’s most elusive and bizarre marine mammals. 
Prevost's Squirrel holding an acord
Smithsonian Story

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Do you think you know everything about this feisty little mammal? We have a few surprising facts for you.
spider with jaws shaped like a pelican beak
Smithsonian Story

Newly Discovered Pelican Spiders of Madagascar

Pelican spiders are active hunters, prowling the forest at night and following long silk draglines that lead them to their spider prey.
dead coral and crabs
Smithsonian Story

Earth's Oceans Are Losing Their Breath

In the past 50 years, the amount of water in the open ocean with zero oxygen has increased more than fourfold. 
VR model
Smithsonian Story

X-ray “Reality” Show

Navigate through real data of the remains of an exploded star in 3D. 
jellyfish
Smithsonian Story

Sea Nettle Jellyfish Discovery

Scientists discover common sea nettle jellyfish is actually two distinct species.
Jimi Hendrix playing guitar.
Smithsonian Story

What Makes a Great Rock ’n’ Roll Photo?

Rock ’n’ roll musicians live forever in the mind’s eye thanks to iconic photos of them in their element, playing live.
ancient lion sculpture
Smithsonian Story

Eons before Viral Kitten Videos, Ancient Egyptians Adored Cats

Explores how Egyptians regarded and revered cats for some 2,600 years.

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