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.
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
Thailand—Where it Never Snows—Wins Snow Sculpture Contest
The festival, billed as an international gathering point that "evokes a pristine snow fantasy," attracts around 2 million people each year
February 08, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
China’s Terracotta Warrior Army Is Deteriorating
If China doesn't take steps to better preserve the relics, they may eventually turn into dust
February 08, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Archaeologists Found a Mysterious, Dense Cluster of 35 Pyramids in Sudan
The pyramids hail back to the days of the kingdom of Kush, which occurred around 2,000 years ago
February 08, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
How to Revive a Lost Language
By the year 2100, the human race will have lost about 50% of the languages alive today. Every fourteen days a language dies. There are some success stories though
February 08, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
A Massive 8.0 Earthquake Hit the South Pacific Last Night
Huge magnitude 8.0 earthquakes are rare--but not as rare as you'd think
February 06, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
North Korea’s New Video Is Only Its Latest Propaganda About Attacking the U.S.
North Korea's latest propaganda depicts their new rocket and a burning United States
February 05, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
This Drone Can Fit In Your Palm
The Black Hornet currently rank as the world's smallest military-grade spy drone, weighing just 16 grams and measuring at 4 inches long
February 05, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Medics May Be Able to Save Soldiers by Injecting Foam Into Gut Wounds
Internal bleeding on the battlefield often proves deadly for soldiers hit by bullets or shrapnel, but a new foam injected into soldiers' abdomens could save lives
February 04, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Rise and Fall of Nikola Tesla and his Tower
The inventor's vision of a global wireless-transmission tower proved to be his undoing
February 04, 2013 |
By Gilbert King
This Computer Program Uses Old Headlines to Predict the Future
By analyzing old news, this artificial intelligence program can predict the future
February 04, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Timbuktu’s Priceless Manuscripts Are Safe After All
Rebels set fire to the library, but the precious documents were already gone
February 04, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
