astronomy
The Earliest Film of an Eclipse, Recently Rediscovered, Is Pure Magic
Nevil Maskelyne, Jr., made history in 1900 with footage that still astonishes experts.
Articles by Sabrina Imbler
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Stories
Stories shared by this traveler.
botanical gardens
In Kaua‘i, Botanists Rediscover an Extinct Plant Once Mistaken for Another Extinct Plant
Just another day in Hawaiian conservation.
taxidermy
The Black Taxidermist Who Made History at Chicago's Field Museum
A new exhibit celebrates the life and work of Carl Cotton.
architecture
Meet the Iowa Architect Documenting Every Slave House Still Standing
Jobie Hill has visited 700 former residences. Many have been abandoned. Some have become storage space. Others are B&Bs.
performances
The History of Race, Performance, and Drag Intersect in a Rare Photo of Thomas Dilward
Dilward performed with all-white minstrel troupes that otherwise excluded black people.
collections
Early Chinese Trick Photography Sent Chubby Babies Into Space
Inside a historian’s collection of endearing, goofy early 20th-century portraits.
islands
How One Man and His Dog Rowed More Than 700 Kākāpōs to Safety
In the late 19th century, Richard Henry laid a blueprint for modern conservation in New Zealand.
bones
A Fossilized Skull May Solve the Mystery of a Chameleon Migration
A raft very likely carried chameleons between Madagascar and mainland Africa—but in which direction?
dinosaurs
This 6-Foot Brachiosaurus Fossil Hitched a Ride With Two Clydesdale Horses
Their names are Molly and Darla.
sharks
The Carolinas' Mysterious Great White Shark Cluster Is Not Mysterious, Not a Cluster
They're just doing what sharks do.
animals
Peregrine Falcons Came Home to Roost in a Boeing 737 Plant
After pausing production of the 737 MAX, Boeing will get help evicting its resident birds of prey.
coral reefs
The Coral Ark That Hopes to Save Florida’s Ailing Reefs
As a mysterious disease sweeps across the region, dry land might be the last best hope for survival.
prisons
In Sydney, Intricate New Models Depict Australia’s Brutal Colonial Era
A redesigned museum hopes to grapple with the thorny legacy of the “convict period.”
sacred spaces
How Golden, Mummified Bees Hid in a Panama City Cathedral Altar
Restorers discovered the centuries-old bees' nests while preparing for a visit from the Pope.
farms
For Sale: 28 Acres of Historical Amish Stuff
Amish Acres featured a gigantic barn, buggy rides, and the longest-running Amish musical.
astronomy
How Finnish Skywatchers Discovered a Strange New Aurora
The mysterious phenomenon resembles green sand dunes in the sky.
museums
The Aftermath of a Fire at the Museum of Chinese in America's Archives
Staff are hopeful after the first recovery effort found 150 boxes in a salvageable state.
forests
Visiting One of the Last Fragments of Miami's Eccentric Native Forest
Pine rockland grows on the most stable land in Florida, which is why it’s doomed.
bones
The Curious Case of the Deep-Sea Bone Worms and the Vanishing Underwater Gator
Scientists dropped three alligators to the bottom of the ocean. One of them was never seen again.
fires
Australia’s Platypuses Are Invisible Victims of the Bushfires
After years of drought and habitat loss, “It’s one more nail in their coffin.”
roadside attractions
How to Identify Wildflowers Without Bothering to Get Off the Highway
According to a scientist’s satirical guide, flowers are even more beautiful when you can only kind of see them.
science
Scientists Are Simulating Mass Animal Die-Offs in an Oklahoma Prairie
Understanding the ecological impact of hundreds of dead feral hogs.
insects
Can a War of the Wasps Save Hawai‘i’s Wiliwili Trees?
It's a classic good wasp/bad wasp situation.
museums
New Mexico Will Tear Down a Historic Chicano Mural to Build an Art Museum
The artist, Gilberto Guzman, once wanted to restore the painting. But state officials say it’s too unstable.
