Topic: Smithsonian Institution

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10 coffee table books that make great gifts

Stuck for a present for that friend that's hard to shop for? Check out one of these gorgeous coffee table books.
3 smart novels for the last weeks of summer

Three male characters head to the desert hoping to change their lives.
In Pictures: Top US tourist attractions
In Pictures: Top Dominican-born baseball players
NASA space shuttle: Coming to a city near you?

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3 smart novels for the last weeks of summer

Three male characters head to the desert hoping to change their lives.
Rover Curiosity is a star, but can it help fund future of Mars exploration?

The steady stream of enticing photographs from the rover Curiosity may be wowing scientists and the public, but NASA is facing serious budgetary constraints on the future of Mars exploration.
Space community mourns Sally Ride (+video)

Following the death of astronaut Sally Ride everyone from Buzz Aldrin to Barack Obama has offered a tribute to the first American woman in space.
Horizons Google Maps heads indoors with walking directions for 17 Smithsonian museums

Google Maps adds all 17 of the Smithsonian Institution's museums to its growing list of 10,000 important indoor spaces.
Huge crowds turn out for Space Shuttle Enterprise (+video)

Hundreds of spectators watched as the Space Shuttle Enterprise arrived by barge at New York's Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
Space Shuttle Enterprise arrives in New York. Where will the other shuttles go? (+video)

Like the Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise, which is now on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, NASA's three real space shuttles — the ones that rocketed into orbit — also will spend their retirement in museums.
Humongous Volkswagen-sized turtle fossils discovered

In addition to its colossal size, the turtle would have been equipped with massive, powerful jaws, meaning it could've eaten just about anything in its range.
Betty White on safari in Washington for new animal picture book

Actress Betty White goes on safari to Washington National Zoo for her new animal picture book.
Did dinosaur 'emissions' help warm the prehistoric climate? (+video)

In a new study, scientists theorize that giant, vegetation-munching sauropods emitted nearly as much methane each year into the warm atmosphere as do all natural and industrial sources today.
Space Shuttle Enterprise flyover wows New Yorkers (+video)

Perched atop a modified 747 jumbo jet, the Space Shuttle Enterprise greeted the Big Apple by zooming past the Statue of Liberty and flying along the Hudson River.
Space Shuttle Enterprise arrives in NYC atop a Boeing 747 (+video)

Earlier today, NASA's Space Shuttle Enterprise touched down in New York City, where it will find a new home in the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
Will visitors be allowed on board the Space Shuttle Discovery?

On Thursday, NASA handed the world's most traveled space shuttle over to the Smithsonian. Visitors won't be able to walk its decks, but they will be able to experience the shuttle's interior through interactive images.
Bumblebee gecko species a 'striking surprise,' say scientists

Bumblebee gecko: A new species of gecko, dubbed the 'bumblebee gecko,' after its yellow and black markings, has been discovered in Papua New Guinea.
Space Shuttle Discovery arrives at its new home (+video)

In a public ceremony, NASA officially delivered the Space Shuttle Discovery to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Thursday.
Dick Clark remembered as 'American Bandstand' host, TV & radio impresario

Dick Clark, the longtime host of ABC's 'American Bandstand,' TV game shows, and radio programs, died Wednesday near Los Angeles.
All systems go for 'historic' SpaceX launch this month

NASA and SpaceX, the private aerospace firm that is seeking a contract to replace the space shuttle, met Monday in anticipation of a crucial space-station test run April 30.
Space Shuttle Discovery lands, for the last time, in Washington, D.C. (+video)

After saluting the nations capital from atop a modified jumbo jet, the Space Shuttle Discovery touched down at Dulles International Airport to be handed over to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Space shuttle Discovery begins final flight (+video)

The nation's oldest space shuttle is being flown to its new home at the Smithsonian museum outside Washington, D.C. Tuesday.
Space Shuttle Discovery to swoop over National Mall (+video)

Perched atop a modified jumbo jet, the retired Space Shuttle Discovery will fly over Washington before arriving at its permanent resting place at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Space Shuttle Discovery mounted on 747 for ride to Smithsonian (+video)

The retired Space Shuttle Discovery is now sitting on top of NASA's modified jumbo jet, in preparation for its delivery to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Grounded space shuttles find new homes

NASA's retired space shuttle orbiters are making their way to museums around the country.
Modern Parenthood Could PBS Kids Barney be an extinct T. rex – in a good mood?

When we saw the photos of the big fuzzy – but extinct – T. rex that scientists in China discovered, we couldn't help wonder about the PBS Kids Barney and what this means for evolution of kids' toys.
Decoder Wire How Bo and other 'first dogs' contribute to White House Easter Egg Roll

Bo dons bunny ears for a White House notice about the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday. But he's not the first presidential pooch to wear special headgear for the occasion.
Dressed to kill: A feathered tyrannosaur is discovered in China

A team of paleontologists has dubbed their find Yutyrannus huali – beautiful feathered tyrant. At 1.5 tons, this 'fuzz ball ... with a mouth full of killer teeth' is the largest feathered dinosaur by far.
How do supermassive black holes get so big? A peculiar diet, perhaps.

New research suggests that the supermassive black holes at the cores of some galaxies could grow so large by consuming one star from a binary system and flinging the other into space.