What’s Up

More Than Meets The Eye
Scientists rely on innovative methods to observe the natural world. Certain chemicals, for instance, can render a fish’s muscles transparent. Beginning July 23, at Natural History, see more examples of technologies that endow researchers with X-ray vision.

Hail To The Chief
Ronald Reagan joked he didn’t care about his legacy, since he wouldn’t be around to read about it. But visitors to the Portrait Gallery through May 28, 2012 can join in a celebration of the 40th president’s 100th birthday.

Space Travails
In 1971, Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden became the first man to walk in deep space. Nine months later, he was suddenly fired. In Falling to Earth (Smithsonian Books, July 2011), Worden reveals for the first time the full story of the dramatic events that shook NASA and ended his career.

Something For Everyone
In the 19th century, photography and improvements in the graphic arts produced a cornucopia of media imagery that crossed language and class barriers. “Pictures for Everyone” will be on display through January 2012 at the American History Museum.

Family Album
At the Sackler Gallery, 16 paintings of emperors, empresses, princes and princesses represent three generations of the Qing dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1911. Visit the imperial family through January 16, 2012.

Arcynta Ali Childs | | READ MORE

Arcynta Ali Childs was awarded journalism fellowships from the New York Times Student Journalism Institute, the National Press Foundation, the Poynter Institute and the Village Voice. She also has worked at Ms. Magazine, O and Smithsonian.