August 2013
Smithsonian magazine delivers trusted and incisive reporting on history, science, nature, culture and travel.
Features

50 Years of Air Racing
Over half a century, a devoted few created the unique culture of Reno

The Other Guys
NASA needs a space taxi. The likely pick is SpaceX—but don’t count out Colorado-based Sierra Nevada.

The Fight Over Avgas
Can private pilots fly unleaded?

A new telescope will tell us how the first stars and galaxies were born
The Universe’s Baby Boom.

In the early jet age, pilots had good reason to fear the F7U
The Gutless Cutlass.

Britain’s Desperate Response to U-Boats
Short decks and Swordfish