Top Ten Smithsonian Highlights of 2024: From Enigmatic Underground Chambers to Stunning Auroras

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Smithsonian magazine’s yearly summary for 2024 mirrored the diverse interests of its readership, capturing their desire for escapism in a year marked by political strife, violence, and global turmoil. Key stories spanned a range of fields, including significant advancements in space exploration and climate research, alongside remarkable archaeological discoveries such as a World War II submarine wreck and a monumental stone structure predating Stonehenge by a millennium.

In addition to these highlights, the magazine showcased compelling photography from its annual Photo Contest, which transported audiences to vibrant locations like Cuba, celebrated the beauty of avian life, and recognized important cultural moments like Pride Month and Mother’s Day. The premiere season of the podcast “There’s More to That” delved into intriguing subjects including the infamous Pablo Escobar’s hippos and the historical significance of solar eclipses. The editorial team also honored notable figures who passed away in 2024, such as actor James Earl Jones and trailblazing artist Faith Ringgold.

Among the magazine’s most-read pieces were stories exploring unusual inventions, the evolution of American dialects, and other human-interest narratives.

Tracking Nature’s Fury Through Technology

A standout narrative concerned the identification of a mysterious scar on the Nullarbor Plain, a vast, treeless area in southern Australia, discovered via Google Earth imagery. A man searching for caves stumbled across a distinctive V-shaped line that led scientists to attribute it to a previously unobserved tornado that occurred in November 2022. Researchers noted that the 6.8-mile-long scar likely indicated a tornado intensity of F2 or F3, with estimated wind speeds exceeding 124 miles per hour. As study author Matej Lipar shared, tornadoes can create significant landscape alterations, facilitating further study through satellite monitoring.

While some experts express skepticism about using only the scar to assess tornado strength—given the lack of eyewitness reports and no structural damage—this case exemplifies the potential for satellite technology to benefit environmental science in remote regions.

Rediscovering Historical Artifacts

In a curious find shared by the Dorchester County Historical Society, an antique machine sparked intrigue when it was posted on social media, inviting community input about its purpose. Users offered various guesses, but the answer was unexpected: the device turned out to be a machine for manufacturing beaten biscuits, a regional delicacy in Maryland. This historical artifact revealed insights into local culinary traditions and the industrious spirit of its creators.

Zoë Phillips, the society’s executive director, highlighted Maryland’s rich heritage regarding beaten biscuits, shedding light on how a local business benefitted from this machine.

Evolving Perspectives on Human Development

A fascinating study in Nature detailed the tooth development of early human relatives, suggesting that prolonged childhood may extend back further than previously assumed. Research analyzing the fossilized teeth of an 11-year-old hominid from Dmanisi, Georgia, revealed developmental patterns resembling those of contemporary children. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of human social behavior and raising practices as opposed to strictly cognitive development.

Overall, this study emphasizes the complexity of early human life and movement beyond simplistic associations between longer childhoods and increased brain size.

Revealing Secrets Beneath the Surface

A recent excavation near the Smithsonian Castle unearthed a 30-by-9-foot cistern, built in 1847 to collect rainwater. This finding, while not the hidden vault many might imagine, offered insights into the historical infrastructural efforts of the National Mall area. Although the chamber was devoid of treasures, it serves as a reminder of the rich backgrounds of the institutions housed there.

Endangered Species in Focus

The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute celebrated the birth of pygmy slow lorises—an endangered species native to Southeast Asia. Staff discovered the twin babies while monitoring their mother, marking a significant event as they were the first of their kind born at the institution. Pygmy slow lorises, distinguished by their large eyes and gentle appearance, face significant threats from the pet trade and wildlife trafficking. Animal keepers emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the challenges these creatures face, aiming to educate guests on responsible animal welfare.

Infrastructure Failures and Historical Lessons

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to a cargo ship collision ignited a major cleanup effort, revealing the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure. A floating crane, known as the Chesapeake 1000, played a vital role in the operation and is steeped in historical significance, having previously served in a clandestine CIA project to recover a sunken Soviet submarine during the Cold War.

The Wonders of Earth’s Caves

Photographer Martin Broen shared insights about the cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula, exploring their geological formation and historical significance to the Maya civilization. These sinkholes serve both as natural wonders and archaeological sites, preserving remnants of ancient life and ecosystems.

A Reevaluation of an Unseen Genius

Vivian Maier’s captivating photography emerged from anonymity, showcasing urban life in the mid-20th century. Initially overlooked, her work has gained significant recognition, cementing her legacy as a vital figure in street photography. The retrospective exhibition that highlighted her story aims to rectify the past and celebrate her artistry.

Diverse Voices of American English

In an exploration of American English dialects and accents, the fluid nature of language is contextualized within historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges across different geographic regions. Linguists stress that linguistic variations are ubiquitous and reflect the rich tapestry of American identity.

Celestial Events Captivating Audiences

The occurrence of a rare geomagnetic storm in May illuminated urban skies across the globe, providing extraordinary views of the northern lights. Experts suggest optimal viewing times and locations while emphasizing the importance of solar activity predictions for future aurora hunting opportunities. Stargazers are also encouraged to watch for upcoming celestial phenomena, including lunar eclipses and meteor showers. This year’s celestial events inspire an appreciation for the cosmos and its mysteries.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com