Time
The past, present and future divided into geologic and historic eras, significant historic and cultural events, and centuries and decadesDiscover Smithsonian articles as they relate to the past, present and future.
Wading With Sauropods
Even before the Dinosaur Renaissance moved sauropods out of the swamps, paleontologists recognized that some of these dinosaurs were better suited to life on land
April 17, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Closing the Pigeon Gap
A hundred years ago, the British Empire looked enviously at the efficient carrier pigeon networks established by its European rivals. Yet during the First World War, Allied birds outperformed their rivals and saved thousands of lives–all thanks to the efforts of one London pigeon fancier.
April 17, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Fruitadens and the Dinosaur Diet
The dinosaur diet was not a simply a choice between steak or salad
April 16, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
When Tyrannosaurus Chomped Sauropods
Even though Tyrannosaurus missed Apatosaurus by many millions of years, the tyrant still had a chance to feed on long-necked giants
April 13, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Five Men Who Hated (or Loved) the Number 13
On this Friday the 13th, read about these famous people from history who had a close connection to the supposedly unlucky number
April 13, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
On Dinosaur Time
Though the Age of Dinosaurs ended long ago, less time separates us from Tyrannosaurus rex than separated T. rex from Stegosaurus
April 12, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
The House that Polly Adler Built
She entered the brothel business without apology and set out to become the best madam in America
April 12, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
Murder in Tibet’s High Places
The Dalai Lama is one of the world's most revered religious leaders, but that didn't prevent four holders of the office from dying under mysterious circumstances
April 10, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Dinosaur Egg Hunt
A well-timed analysis suggests that non-avian dinosaurs, not the Easter bunny, are the best candidates for laying the candy eggs hidden away on lawns
April 06, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Scientists Discover a Gigantic Feathered Tyrannosaur
A newly described dinosaur confirms that even the formidable tyrannosaurs were covered in feathers
April 05, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Full Steam Ahead! Our Roundup of All Things Titanic
Learn about the doomed voyage, the science behind the disaster and the passengers who survived
April 04, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
Salk, Sabin and the Race Against Polio
As polio ravaged patients worldwide, two gifted American researchers developed distinct vaccines against it. Then the question was: Which one to use?
April 03, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
How Titanoboa, the 40-Foot-Long Snake, Was Found
In Colombia, the fossil of a gargantuan snake has stunned scientists, forcing them to rethink the nature of prehistoric life
April 2012 |
By Guy Gugliotta
The Origins of Futurism
The celebrated science fiction writer and author of Tomorrow Now, explains why you don't need to be clairvoyant to predict the future
April 2012 |
By Bruce Sterling
Bruce McCall Illustrates the Future That Wasn't
According to past predictions, we should be living in an era of flying cars and other marvels. But be glad that some advances haven't happened
April 2012 |
By Bruce McCall
How to Become the Engineers of Our Own Evolution
The "transhumanist" movement says better technology will enable you to replace more and more body parts—even your brain
April 2012 |
By Abigail Tucker
Before the Jetsons, Arthur Radebaugh Illustrated the Future
In the 1950s and '60s, the newspaper cartoonist dreamed up a madcap American utopia, filled with flying cars and fantastical skyscrapers
April 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Women: The Libyan Rebellion's Secret Weapon
They helped overthrow Qaddafi by smuggling arms and spying on the government. Now the women of Libya are fighting for a greater voice in society
April 2012 |
By Joshua Hammer
Looking Back on the Limits of Growth
Forty years after the release of the groundbreaking study, were the concerns about overpopulation and the environment correct?
April 2012 |
By Mark Strauss
Thinking About Futurism
We look at the art and science of looking ahead
April 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
