January 1996

The Deep-Sea Floor Rivals Rain Forests in Diversity of Life

Blue luminescence and marine snow define a world where millions of species of worms and other invertebrates live out their lives

They're Holding On: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives

Long ago, they found a talent or a cause, a way of life or a way of work, then stuck with it—and said to hell with what other people think

Shooting right for the stars with one gargantuan gas gun

At the Lawrence Livermore lab, researchers John Hunter and Harry Cartland want to train a behemoth barrel on the reaches of outer space

It's Not Polite To Ask Questions, But Who Says You Can't Think Them?

Around the Mall & Beyond

Since its founding in 1967, the Anacostia Museum has grown from "storefront" concept to "neighborhood museum" to world renown

Smithsonian Perspectives

It's our 150th anniversary, and we plan to celebrate all year long — by bringing the Smithsonian home to you