Smithsonian Voices

From the Smithsonian Museums

Scotland’s Jurassic Island: What Scientists Can Learn From Footprints

New evidence, in the form of footprints, has made scientists rethink sauropods as being purely land dwellers.

Why does a curling stone curl?

Why Does a Curling Stone Curl?

The V flying position is important to increase distance. (Image: Ben Pieper Photography)

Falling With Style: The Science of Ski Jumping

There are scientific investigations into whether animals use the Sun and Moon, Earth’s magnetic field, or recognition of landmarks to repeat their long journeys. (chantalrutledge/iStock/Thinkstock)

How Do Birds Navigate?

Around December 21, the Northern Hemisphere tilts the farthest away from the Sun. This is called the northern winter solstice, and it is when we have the least amount of daylight of any time of the year.

What is the Winter Solstice?