In something of a surprise, we have a naked eye comet this month, comet NEOWISE! Astronomers discovered this comet on March 27, 2020 using the NEOWISE satellite. This satellite is the Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer, later used to search for Near Earth Objects. After its discovery, Comet NEOWISE continued to approach the Sun. It […]
One of the most common questions I’m asked as Curator of Vertebrate Zoology is “Where and how do you get your specimens?” The standard answer is that they died of natural causes or from medical complications in captivity or at a wildlife rehabilitation facility, which is how we get the bulk of our specimens. However, […]
I love everything ancient! That particularly goes for ancient writing systems. My fascination started with Egyptian hieroglyphics, but soon turned toward cuneiform. Cuneiform is an ancient writing system that developed in Mesopotamia around 3400 B.C., and it is the oldest form of writing in the world. Cuneiform is not an alphabet, but rather a set […]
The invention of printmaking changed the world. Printing was invented in China between the years 618 to 906 A.D. The earliest prints were made using wooden blocks that were carved with pictures and writings. The process wasn’t complicated, but it took great skill and time to prepare the blocks for printing. First, the text or […]
If you don’t have one already, a field journal is a must-have for any budding scientist! Field journals are used by all different types of scientists (such as paleontologists, geologists, biologists and many others) in order to record and keep track of the things they learn and observe while working out in the field. These […]
When learning about wildlife, we often focus on the far away and exotic, but there are plenty of fascinating plan and animal species outside around your home or local park. Use this scavenger hunt to help you discover them! Find a Rollie pollie. These are also called pill bugs, doodle bugs and woodlice. They are […]
With a membership level for everyone; Don't just read about it, see it.
View All Membership LevelsOlive – a Giant Long-Legged Katydid from Malaysia – was with us for only a few days, however, she left us with a precious gift; her eggs! Now, will those eggs hatch? We’re keeping our fingers crossed over here that we’ll soon be seeing some cute little katydid babies! This insect has quickly become my […]
Have you ever seen a piece of art or craft that you think to yourself “I could do that!” but of course you never act on it? Well, some people do act on that impulse and I’m going to show you how to do just that. Every now and then I get a phone call from […]
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Latest Comments
Yes · July 9, 2020, 11:12 am
But what about the Iridium found? That element isn’t naturally produced on Earth.
Jessi · July 8, 2020, 10:20 am
Thanks for letting us know. We updated the link, and you can email emills@hmns.org with new info!
Aryl Hatt-Todd · July 1, 2020, 1:36 pm
I see the XRF graph, but what is the percentage of the the Cu and Pb?
Tim · June 28, 2020, 4:29 pm
The email address link on this page directs you to an email address that no longer exists (khokamp@hmns) Also I saw 167 today
Paul Stevens · June 26, 2020, 5:32 am
Thank you Dan Brooks for an informative article highlighting another way captive breeding can contribute to science and education.
DG Royals · June 23, 2020, 10:59 am
thanks for given the comment section.
Susan Nicholls · June 18, 2020, 3:15 pm
I recently learned that places are not required to list the different names of the red dyes or even to list whether red dye is used in processing. I thought I was doing well to avoid carmine after a systemic anaphylactic shock reaction that nearly killed me. I ate a hamburger in a restaurant that used a beef supplier who sold meat that had been dyed. The supermarkets and restaurants don't tell you this on their labels or menus. Later, I ate sundried tomatoes that listed "no preservatives" on the jar but no mention of food dyes and had a severe reaction. I called the company and they said they DID use the dye as a colorant. Same with an ice cream shop's homemade strawberry ice cream. Oy Vey! Now my allergist tells me to avoid eating anything red. Even fresh red fruits and vegetables can be sprayed with dye to enhance color.
otto · June 15, 2020, 11:20 pm
Dang!! no Tail.. cannot balance the Front end. disappointed when i Discovered dinosaurs can't wag their Tails.
Kathleen Havens · June 15, 2020, 2:47 pm
I am not certain, but my best guess would be that it has to do with the long exposure times associated with photography in the Victorian Era.
Pablo Marin · June 13, 2020, 7:09 pm
Most of the article is very interesting seems to be well researched except when you get to the last part about the declining in insects population, where you have: - On one hand "Scientists believe that urbanization, pesticide...". That is scientists analysing in their areas of expertise for certain explanations. - On the other hand "John Rawlins... at the Carnegie Museum... believes that...". That is the OPINION of a museum's employee in aerodynamics. Anyone with an education in physics, engineering, pilots or even a little bit of scientific knowledge in that area can easily prove that is completely false. Cars got better at deflecting the air, not punctual masses. The air is a fluid and behaves completely different than a punctual mass. The mass of insect is much higher that the air, so an insect at 90 mph cannot be deflected as easily as the air can. That last part of the article where the uneducated opinion of someone is highlighted in bold over scientific studies makes me see this article very unprofessional and question the quality of the HMNS as a scientific institution. Very disappointing.