List
9 Observatories Where Ancient Humans Looked to the Stars
The mysteries of the night sky have captivated our species for millennia.
List
The mysteries of the night sky have captivated our species for millennia.
List
Where they're going, we don't need roads.
science
Every summer, hundreds of millipedes are murdered on one small Massachusetts island.
books
Whether at the beach or in your backyard, these books will inspire and delight.
List
These bridges, tunnels, and viaducts help wildlife safely navigate the road.
roadside attractions
Inside one man's quest to visit the last vestiges of roadside Americana.
Let your eyes adjust ...
astronomy
astronomy
The mysterious phenomenon resembles green sand dunes in the sky.
paintings
The paintings once dazzled and enlightened mid-century planetarium-goers.
meteorites
For this community of “space cowboys,” entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, a fireball streaming across the sky offers big risks and bigger rewards—and new tech is heating up the competition.
science
Why astronomers keep putting them in the same places.
space exploration
He got into a lot of trouble.
space exploration
Robert Lawrence Jr.'s accomplishments are finally being recognized.
astronomy
The massive South Island stargazing reserve is a respite from light pollution for many species, including our own.
nature
Many viewers want to bask in synchronous fireflies' glow. Ecologists want to ensure that the insects aren't hurt in the process.
insects
The good old days of firefly hunting featured branded merch, 10-year-old kingpins, and a certain disregard for ecology.
maps
Thousands of years of attempts to understand our place in the cosmos.
science
Inspired by a mission to Jupiter, this bright blue drink bested 69 other 'space juices'.
meteorites
It's a long shot—but if you're keen to look, here's how to start.
how to
A beginner's guide to admiring stars, planets, and satellites—no mountaintop or fancy gear required.
It's not the destination ...
automotive history
roadside attractions
A photographer captured the handmade, the unusual, the downright puzzling.
national parks
Welcome to the "throw zone."
roads
A road by any other name.
forests
Career ranger Virgil "Bus" Carrell had no design training, but "really gave a damn," say experts, about his lasting legacy.
roadside attractions
The Southern roadside attraction is thriving, but its iconic barn-top billboards are fading away.
roadside attractions
According to a scientist's satirical guide, flowers are even more beautiful when you can only kind of see them.
roadside attractions
John Margolies played an outsize role in memorializing America’s outsize attractions.
roadside attractions
This isn't a good time for cross-country car rides. Good thing John Margolies took a camera on his many road trips.
Itinerary
roadside attractions
Setting up a roadside attraction with How To! host Amanda Ripley.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Nature misses you ...
science
science
A conservation biologist in Argentina once hosted one of the animals in her living room, but finding them in the wild has proven far more difficult.
science
The evolutionary marvel mates in love trains, can swim in the ocean, and even uses jazz hands as a defensive tactic.
forests
A remote wedge of wilderness is home to trailblazing elephants, epic trees, and the only chimps and gorillas known to share a meal.
forests
It is a key part of local culture, and looks like it was colored with a crayon.
science
From glasswing butterflies to vanishing octopuses, evolution is a mad scientist.
animals
Despite traditional and modern protections, Palau's massive mollusks are at risk.
science
Meet the generally harmless translucent residents of Thoreau's favorite giant puddle.
monkeys
The wildly uncharismatic buffy-tufted-ear marmoset needs a boost.
folklore
Understanding how locals really view the world's weirdest primate may be key to protecting it.
snakes
A research station in India is on call 24/7 to aid wayward reptiles in need.
insects
A conservation team wanted to know if removing killer bees would make life easier for Lear's macaw.
bunkers
And how scientists tried to free this formic Donner Party.
islands
Tiny gastropods, huge undertaking.
insects
And on your face.
beach
A beginner's guide to identifying conchs, chitons, and more.
nature
Tragedy set Sicelo Mbatha on a course to understand, and make peace with, the wild on its own terms.