Solar Power | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/solar-power/RSS feed for Solar PowerenThu, 13 Aug 2026 17:38:44 +0000An Aerospace Startup Just Got Approval to Test Beaming Sunlight to Earth. Here's Why Experts Are Worried—and Petitioninghttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-aerospace-startup-just-got-approval-to-test-beaming-sunlight-to-earth-heres-why-experts-are-worried-and-petitioning-180989323/By 2035, Reflect Orbital aims to launch up to 50,000 satellites equipped with mirrors to provide sunlight to Earth-based solar panels. Critics are concerned about impacts on wildlife, astronomy research and human healthThu, 13 Aug 2026 17:38:44 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-aerospace-startup-just-got-approval-to-test-beaming-sunlight-to-earth-heres-why-experts-are-worried-and-petitioning-180989323/From a Sea Turtle Release to an Outhouse Race, These Ten Fourth of July Traditions Celebrate America Like No Otherhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-a-sea-turtle-rescue-to-an-outhouse-race-these-ten-fourth-of-july-traditions-celebrate-america-like-no-other-180989044/Revelers typically mark Independence Day with a barbecue and fireworks show, but these festivities across the country offer quirky alternativesTue, 30 Jun 2026 15:29:09 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-a-sea-turtle-rescue-to-an-outhouse-race-these-ten-fourth-of-july-traditions-celebrate-america-like-no-other-180989044/