science
Why We Can't Stop Hurricanes and All the Ways We've Tried
The strange, true history of human beings bringing the fight to tropical storms.
Articles by Eric Grundhauser
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Stories
Stories shared by this traveler.
animals
The 'Most Popular Baseball Card Ever' Is Going to Auction
It may not be the most valuable, but it's definitely beloved.
trees
Vote for the United Kingdom's Tree of the Year
Will you choose the one that grew from a dead sailor's pocket?
ships
Cargo Ships Are Creating Sea Lightning
Oceanic shipping lanes see double the number of strikes.
film
Spielberg's Forgotten 'L.A. 2017' Dreamt of Today's Dystopian Future
A wonderfully weird TV episode from the director's early days.
science
Ancient Purple Scroll Stains Turn Out to Be Caused by Marine Microbes
A mystery from the Vatican Secret Archives, solved.
list
Atlas Obscura's Fall Destination Staff Picks
From Kazakhstan to Vermont, these are our dream places to visit this autumn.
fire fighters
To Shield Historic Cabins From Wildfire, Wrap Them in Foil
The U.S. Forest Service is protecting century-old houses by treating them like last night's dinner.
news
NASA Honored the Voyager Probes With Groovy Posters
On the 40th anniversary of their launch, they are literally the farthest out.
animals
Blob-Like Creatures Discovered in Canada's Lost Lagoon
They're actually colonies of many tiny invertebrates. Does that make it better or worse?
animals
Warm Your Heart With Videos of 'Echidna Love Trains'
For the enigmatic mammal, mating season is trailing season.
world record
Behold the World Record for Most People Dressed Like Scientists
It's not science. But it kind of looks like it.
literature
Author Terry Pratchett's Unfinished Works Have Been Crushed With a Steamroller
Just as he wanted.
video games
The Holy Grail of Video Game History Is Probably an Office Memo
The Video Game History Foundation is trying to preserve the stories behind the fun.
animals
Behold the Elegance and Horror of a Nearly Invisible Squid
Researchers recently captured video of a glass squid in the wild.
architecture
A Short History of Fire Marks, The World’s Hottest Insurance-Related Antiques
From decorative advertising to collectible artifacts.
science
'Smart' Rubber Bands Are on Their Way
Adding graphene could mean major upgrades to an old standby.
sharks
Australia Is Getting Anti-Shark-Attack Drones
If you hear a robot yelling, "SHARK," you should listen.
computers
Alan Turing in a Newly Discovered Letter: 'I Detest America'
The father of modern computing had no intention of attending a conference in the United States.
rats
The Black-Footed Tree Rat Has Been Rediscovered in Western Australia
And it's pretty cute.
buddhism
Japan Unveils a Buddhist Funeral Robot
It's pretty cheerful-looking for a robot that gives funeral services.
crime
The Many Faces of Brooklyn's Greatest Imposter
Stanley Clifford Weyman lived many, many lives.
animals
Mystery Beach Creature Is Just a Delightfully Freakish Clump of Barnacles
Goose barnacles only look like aliens.
dolphins
The Brief, Bright Life of New Zealand's Beloved Celebrity Dolphin
In the summer of 1955, the friendly Opo charmed beachgoers with tricks and devotion.
