All Stories

There's a lot about air travel we just don't think about. For instance, why are the seat belts like this?

archive of wonder

9 Surprising Stories About Air Travel (In Case You're Delayed)

Why are airplane seat belts so weird? And how many words can you make from airport codes?

temperature

People May Speak More Loudly or Quietly Depending on the Climate

Places that are usually hot or cold developed languages differently.

genetics

New Clues Emerge About the Fluffy Dogs Once Bred for Their Wool

The story of these distinctive doggos is emerging from ancestral knowledge of the Coast Salish peoples and a new genetic study of the pelt of a pup named Mutton.

A charming selection of gifts to inspire wonder and curiosity for any age.

book recommendations

Atlas Obscura’s Beautifully Bizarre 2023 Wishlist

A series of gift guides for the inquisitive individuals in your life.

schools

Podcast: Gourdlandia

One of Ithaca’s most beloved, wholesome art centers is dedicated to the humble gourd.

michigan

The ‘Christmas Tree Boat’ Shipwreck That Devastated 1912 Chicagoans

Marine archaeologists are beginning to understand what really happened to Captain Santa's ill-fated ship.

4 Days of Music, Science, Art, and Wonder

events

Initial Lineup Announced for Atlas Obscura's Ecliptic Festival!

Join us for 4 days of music, science, art, and wonder in celebration of the 2024 eclipse at Valley of the Vapors!

Turtle doves are two of the many birdy gifts bestowed by a true love during "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

wondersky

Where Did the 12 Days of Christmas Come From?

The answer is the Moon.

massachusetts

Podcast: New Bedford Whaling Museum

For 20 years, a whale skeleton has been slowly dripping oil on the floor of the Massachusetts museum where it hangs.

Torches are made from trees that were sick, dying, or were felled during winter storms.

fire

The Italian Town That Welcomes Winter With a Procession of Fire

Every December, thousands of torches transform Agnone into the fire capital of the world.

One of nine ice patches released objects from 6200–5300 years ago.

discovery

Unusual Boxes and 7,000-Year-Old Trove Found Locked in Ice

Along with obsidian that dazzled scientists in Canada.

The parasitic plant Sapria himalayana, also known as the jeweled corpse flower, was one of several rare species found in the Siang Valley by ATREE botanists.

biodiversity

The Biodiversity of India's Siang Valley Rediscovered After an Infamous Colonial Expedition

A red velvet worm, jeweled corpse flower, and other rare species were found while retracing the route of the bloody 1911-12 Abor Expedition.

weather

Podcast: Knoxville Weather Kiosk

Before TV weather-people, there was the kiosk.

Stand out like a lit tree in a place few people venture.

story

Explore the Strange Roots of Holiday Traditions with Atlas Obscura

From bizarre Christmas trees to monstrous festivities, we’re celebrating December by asking a lot of questions.

squirrel

The Whimsical, Nostalgic Appeal of Becorns

A former Lego worker moved away from plastic and towards chipmunks.

japan

The Woman Putting a West-Coast Spin on Japan’s Traditional Tea Sweets

Wagashi is a way to celebrate the beauty of the seasons.

In this manuscript of the work of 12th-century physician al-Ghafiqi, bunk is depicted either as bark, or perhaps the husk of a coffee bean.

health

Before Drinking Coffee, People Washed Their Hands With It

This mysterious ingredient was often found in medieval Arabic books of medicine and botany.

My Thanksgiving apple cake had some unconventional ingredients.

spices

Try These West African Spices in Your Holiday Baking

Have some fun with fusion.

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