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Understanding the cosmos and our Earth
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mineral
National Museum of Natural History

Minerals and Gems

The Smithsonian's mineral and gem collection at the National Museum of Natural History is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
black hole
Smithsonian Snapshot

First-Ever Image of a Black Hole

Captured by the Event Horizon Telescope, this image reveals the supermassive black hole at the center of Messier 87.
shark
National Museum of Natural History

Ocean Portal: All About Sharks

Learn about these incredible animals—and the ecosystems in which they play a role.
Nick Pyenson
National Museum of Natural History

Time Travel With Smithsonian Paleontologist: Nick Pyenson

His job as a time traveler is to make discoveries about the past that can help shape our future.
3 bears caught on camera
Smithsonian Collaboration

eMammal: See Wildlife, Do Science

Place “camera traps” in your community to assist researchers in answering questions about mammal distribution and abundance.
watershed
Smithsonian Global

Restoring Landscapes in the Panama Canal Watershed

Scientists study how to transform degraded landscapes into healthy forests, clean water, and eco-friendly ranches.
birds in nest
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center

Neighborhood Nestwatch

Be a biologist in your own backyard! Neighborhood Nestwatch participants help answer questions related to the survival of bird populations.
orchid
Smithsonian Spotlight

Orchids: Nature's Art

Smithsonian Gardens has more than 8,000 specimens. Explore a selection from the collection along with art inspired by these beautiful blooms.
Moray eel
National Museum of Natural History

Bizarre and Beautiful Coral Reef Animals

Explore some of the oddest and most amazing creatures to see, from parrotfish to tiny pygmy sea horses.
blue crab
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Ecosystems on the Edge

Discover the challenges life faces on the coasts—and what scientists and anyone can do to save them.
monoculture of boulder corals
National Museum of Natural History

Ocean Acidification

Learn about “climate change’s evil twin” with the National Museum of Natural History's Ocean Portal.
Aedes aegypti mosquito
Smithsonian Blog

Mosquito Collection Is Weapon in Battle against Zika

As the Zika virus takes hold around the world, health officials are racing to find its cause and prevent further spread of the disease.