Ask Smithsonian: Why Does Rain Have A Distinctive Smell?
Summertime humidity—and our own memories—help create the conditions for how we perceive the sharp, fresh odor of a rain storm
Ask Smithsonian: What Makes Skunk Spray Smell So Terrible?
When the omnivorous cat-size mammals take aim, the malodorous spray can hit with pin-point accuracy up to 20 feet away
Ask Smithsonian: What Happens When You Get a Concussion?
It’s scary what we don’t know about the lasting effects after a knock to the noggin
Ask Smithsonian: How Many Rings Does Saturn Have?
The age, origin and purpose of Saturn’s rings have mystified scientists since the days of Galileo
Ask Smithsonian: Are Cats Domesticated?
There is little genetic difference between a tabby and a wild cat, so scientists think the house cat is only domestic when it wants to be
Why Do We Yawn and Why Is It Contagious?
Pinpointing exactly why we yawn is a tough task, but the latest research suggests that our sleepy sighs help to regulate the temperature of our brains
How Many Stradivariuses Exist and More Questions From Our Readers
Why octopuses use tools, preserving flight plans, famous portraits and more
How Do You Keep Items Safe in a Time Capsule and More Questions From Our Readers
Also learn more about the jaw harp, why it takes three days to get to the Moon and more
Why Don’t Animals Go Bald, Like Humans and Other Questions From Our Readers
Your questions answered by our experts
At What Temperature Does Water Freeze?
The answer is far more complicated than it first appears—water doesn’t always turn to ice at 32 degrees Fahrenheit
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