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Preview thumbnail for Can We Predict the Universe’s Randomness — or Is It All Just Chaos?

Can We Predict the Universe’s Randomness — or Is It All Just Chaos?

From coin flips to river levels to the placement of freckles, many events appear random at first glance—but dig a little deeper, and limits to the chaos start to emerge.

Preview thumbnail for National Treasure: Revealing the Stunning 2.33-Carat Winston Red Diamond

National Treasure: Revealing the Stunning 2.33-Carat Winston Red Diamond

The Winston Red Diamond, one of the rarest gems in the world, is a stunning 2.33-carat red diamond displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Preview thumbnail for 8 Mind-Boggling Facts About the Octopus

8 Mind-Boggling Facts About the Octopus

Did you know octopuses are highly intelligent animals with the ability to problem-solve complex puzzles – and even change color? They have three hearts and blue blood, helping them survive …

Preview thumbnail for What Is an Aurora?

What Is an Aurora?

Auroras emit swirling hues in the sky, mesmerizing spectators with their bands of color. Different hues come from different gases—for instance, oxygen makes green, nitrogen makes purple.

Preview thumbnail for National Treasure: The Fearsome Science Behind the T. rex, the King of the Dinosaurs

National Treasure: The Fearsome Science Behind the T. rex, the King of the Dinosaurs

Known for its massive size, powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth, the Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the most fearsome predators of the Late Cretaceous period.

Preview thumbnail for 5 Record-Breaking Bird Migrations

5 Record-Breaking Bird Migrations

Birds: nature’s ultimate travelers, undertaking jaw-dropping migrations that push the boundaries of endurance, speed and altitude.

Preview thumbnail for Pesto the Enormous, Viral King Penguin Molts His Baby Feathers

Pesto the Enormous, Viral King Penguin Molts His Baby Feathers

The 50-pound penguin at Australia’s Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is now roughly 9 months old and losing his downy fluff in favor of adult plumage. (Credit: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium)

Preview thumbnail for National Treasure: The Mold Behind the Miracle of Penicillin

National Treasure: The Mold Behind the Miracle of Penicillin

Discover the fascinating story of penicillin, an antibiotic that revolutionized the medical world.

Preview thumbnail for Is Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin the Future of Space Exploration?

Is Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin the Future of Space Exploration?

No one had ever launched, landed and relaunched a rocket into space until the company’s historic achievement.

Preview thumbnail for 10 Fun Facts About Bioluminescence

10 Fun Facts About Bioluminescence

Discover the incredible ways in which living organisms illuminate the darkness of the deep sea, lush forests, and even our own backyards.

Preview thumbnail for A Map of Migrating Birds

A Map of Migrating Birds

The latest version of BirdCast creates live migration maps and dashboards that show the number of birds passing over the United States. (Credit: Dokter, A. 2023. BirdCast, live migration map; …

Preview thumbnail for Apollo 11 Launch: Photographed

Apollo 11 Launch: Photographed

Read more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/We-Have-Liftoff.html Photographer David Burnett focused his camera on the many tourists who flocked to Florida in 1969 to watch the launch of Apollo 11 (Produced by Molly …

Preview thumbnail for How Cowboys Breed Perfect Cattle

How Cowboys Breed Perfect Cattle

Read more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/Breeding-the-Perfect-Bull.html Donnell Brown and his fellow cowboys combine modern science with their decades of experience with cattle ranching to create the perfect specimen of beef.

Preview thumbnail for CANstruction 2012 with Defending Champion

CANstruction 2012 with Defending Champion

Follow team LEO A DALY as they replicate the Discovery space shuttle’s arrival in Washington, D.C. for CANstruction

Preview thumbnail for Countdown to the Physics Nobel!

Countdown to the Physics Nobel!

Use #physnobel on Twitter to submit your questions. The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics will be announced on Tuesday, October 7. Join guests Charles Day of Physics Today, Andrew Grant …

Preview thumbnail for Cardiac MRI of an animal that has undergone photosynthetic therapy

Cardiac MRI of an animal that has undergone photosynthetic therapy

Cardiac MRI of an animal that has undergone photosynthetic therapy. CREDIT: Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Preview thumbnail for The Next Pandemic: Are We Prepared?

The Next Pandemic: Are We Prepared?

An exclusive group of thought leaders gathered at the museum to discuss how the world prepares for the next global pandemic, raises public awareness, and explores potential responses and solutions

Preview thumbnail for Dogs Can Sniff Out Malaria

Dogs Can Sniff Out Malaria

Sally, a Labrador retriever, sniffs sock samples and then pauses on the sample worn by a child with malaria. (Durham University/Medical Detection Dogs/London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)

Preview thumbnail for Don't Call the Blobfish Ugly

Don’t Call the Blobfish Ugly

From its unique appearance to its habitat and behavior, here’s everything you need to know about this mysterious deep-sea creature. Dive into the world of the blobfish and discover why …

Preview thumbnail for 10 Fascinating Facts About Owls

10 Fascinating Facts About Owls

From their jaw-dropping hunting abilities to their unique physicality, owls are truly captivating creatures. Join us as we delve into the world of these mysterious birds of prey.

Preview thumbnail for What Is a Solar Eclipse?

What Is a Solar Eclipse?

Have you ever wondered what a solar eclipse is? Join us as we explore the science behind this awe-inspiring celestial event. —- For more videos from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/videos/ Digital …

Preview thumbnail for 10 Fun Facts About Jellyfish

10 Fun Facts About Jellyfish

Jellyfish, the wobbly wonders of the ocean, often astound with their unique shapes, sizes, and stings. Learn more about these marine marvels as we dive deeper into the underwater world. …

Preview thumbnail for The Ultimate Skywatching Guide for Every Season

The Ultimate Skywatching Guide for Every Season

Whether you’re a passionate astronomer or a beginner eager to explore the cosmos, join us as we deep-dive into seasonal skywatching. Gain valuable insights into identifying meteors, stars, and fascinating …

Preview thumbnail for 10 Enchanting Butterfly Facts Revealed!

10 Enchanting Butterfly Facts Revealed!

Discover astonishing butterfly facts and delight in learning about the superlatives of butterflies, from the largest to the smallest to the fastest. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an avid butterfly …

Preview thumbnail for Inside the Epic Artemis Moon Missions

Inside the Epic Artemis Moon Missions

The Artemis program represents the pinnacle of NASA’s mind-boggling technological capabilities. Learn about the groundbreaking achievements and breathtaking lunar landscapes that await us in this new era of space exploration. …

Preview thumbnail for The Mass Extinction That Wiped Out the Dinosaurs

The Mass Extinction That Wiped Out the Dinosaurs

Almost 66 million years ago, an asteroid hit Earth – and changed our planet forever. From tsunamis to shockwaves, join us on a journey through time as we explore the …

Preview thumbnail for What Is the James Webb Space Telescope?

What Is the James Webb Space Telescope?

For more than a year now, the world has been treated to breathtaking images of the outer reaches of our universe from the NASA instrument. But how does it even …

Preview thumbnail for Mesmerizing Reindeer Cyclone

Mesmerizing Reindeer Cyclone

This is a maze of 3,000 reindeer!

Preview thumbnail for Baby Piglet Struggles to Find Her Mealtime Place

Baby Piglet Struggles to Find Her Mealtime Place

Baby piglets leave a scent on their mother’s teat—a kind of ‘reserved’ sign that warns other piglets off. But Bertie is the runt of the litter and she’s missed her …

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