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.
Don’t Believe the Guy Who Claims He’s Descended From Vikings
The good news is that you can probably claim Viking or whatever other heritage of choice you prefer and have a good chance of hitting the mark—without forking over $200
February 26, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Dead Woman Who Brought Down the Mayor
Vivian Gordon was a reputed prostitute and blackmailer—but her murder led to the downfall of New York Mayor Jimmy Walker
February 25, 2013 |
By Rachel Shteir
Prehistoric Humans Had Better Teeth Than We Do
We have straighter teeth, whiter teeth, more beautiful, shimmery teeth than our parents. But it turns out that we actually have less healthy teeth than our ancestors
February 25, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Scientific American in 1875: Eating Horse Meat Would Boost the Economy
Where did our aversion to horse meat come from, and why did Scientific American think we should eat it anyway?
February 25, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Who Goes to Norway in February?
It may get cold, but the trolls, bobsleds, skiing, Scandinavian delicacies and (heated) art museums make it all worthwhile
February 25, 2013 |
By Laura Kiniry
A Snowball Fight in the West Bank
For the first time in their lifetimes, these teenagers got to enjoy the thrill of a fresh layer of snow
February 25, 2013 |
By Caroline Lacey
Brace Yourselves, the Drought’s Not Close to Over Yet
Unless we get a lot of rain, soon, the U.S. is heading for another summer of drought
February 22, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Photo Interactive: The Civil War, Now in Living Color
How one author adds actual blues and grays to historic photographs
February 22, 2013 |
By Ryan R. Reed
The Hunt for a New, Copyright-Free Happy Birthday Song
In the United States, "Happy Birthday to You"—one of the most popular songs in the world—is still under copyright. And it will be until 2030
February 21, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Eleanor Roosevelt and the Soviet Sniper
Lyudmila Pavlichenko was a Soviet sniper credited with 309 kills—and an advocate for women's rights. On a U.S. tour in 1942, she found a friend in the first lady.
February 21, 2013 |
By Gilbert King
Men Are Better Navigators Than Women, But Not Because of Evolution
Navigational abilities may be a side effect of higher testosterone levels
February 20, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Into the Cave of Chile’s Witches
Did members of a powerful society of warlocks actually murder their enemies and kidnap children?
February 19, 2013 |
By Mike Dash
Nuclear Bombs Made It Possible to Carbon Date Human Tissue
The fallout of the nuclear bomb era is still alive today - in our muscles
February 19, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Last Massive Exploding Meteor Hit Earth in 1908, Leveling 800 Square Miles of Forest
In 1908, a meteor exploding in mid-air released the energy equivalent to "185 Hiroshima bombs"
February 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
The Pentagon’s Newest Medal Rewards Excellence in Drone Combat
Called the Distinguished Warfare Medal, this award will honor drone pilots, hackers and others
February 14, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
We’re Biased Towards Our Own Relationship Status And Push It Onto Our Friends
People, whether single or partnered up, tend to think their way of romantic life is better for everyone, regardless of how happy they actually are
February 14, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
How Much Damage Could North Korea’s New Nuke Do?
North Korea's new nuke could take out a big chunk of Lower Manhattan
February 12, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Harry Truman’s Adorable Love “List” to His Wife, Bess
As a celebration of 38 years of marriage, the former president shared his memories, both fond and bittersweet, from each anniversary
February 12, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Elephants Choose to Stay Inside Safe, Less Stressful National Parks
Elephants living within the park's boundaries are significantly less stressed than those living outside of its protective borders
February 11, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
In the Entire History of the Catholic Church, Only a Handful of Popes Have Resigned
Today, Pope Benedict XVI told the world that he would resign
February 11, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
