Stories of daring, stories of technological feats, stories of prevailing against the odds ... these are the stories we tell at the National Air and Space Museum. Dive in to the stories below to discover, learn, and be inspired. 

Showing 681 - 690 of 1761

A photo of the R2-D2 action figure issued for The Empire Strikes Back.

December 19, 2019

How Star Wars Revolutionized Entertainment

Story

The three ways that the Star Wars franchised changed the entertainment business. 

Movie poster

December 06, 2019

The Aeronauts Brings the Bravado of Balloon Flight to the Big Screen (Artistic License Included)

Story

The new film The Aeronauts truly captures the excitement of ballooning in the 19th century, even if it makes a few historical errors along the way. Ballooning expert Tom Paone explores the history behind the film.

Hand touching Moon rock

December 03, 2019

Touching a Piece of the Moon

Story | Air and Space Photos

In the over 40 years our lunar touchrock has been on display, millions of people have walked through our doors and touched a piece of the Moon. Intrigued by this idea, staff photographer Jim Preston took over 60 photos of visitors touching our little piece of the Moon.

Two women in field

November 26, 2019

Conducting Planetary Research Here on Earth

Story

Planetary scientist Emily Martin takes you behind the scenes of a recent field work trip to Iceland. 

Artist rendering of an upcoming exhibition about how humans have pursued speed throughout history.

November 15, 2019

Ford v. Ferrari Reminds Us That We Are a Nation of Speed

Story

Ford v. Ferrari reminds us that the United States, throughout its history, has cultivated a deep-rooted connection with fast-moving technology, whether it is on land, sea, or in the air.

Image of sun

November 08, 2019

Transit of Mercury

Story

On Monday, November 11, 2019, one of my favorite celestial events occurs – a transit! Think of a transit as an “eclipse lite” – a planet will pass between Earth and the Sun, and we’ll be able to observe the planet’s shadow moving across the Sun. Here are six questions to ponder during this month’s transit of Mercury.

Wideshot of Zeiss projector in planetarium

November 04, 2019

Farewell to the Zeiss Planetarium Projector

Story

Since its opening, and until recent years, our Zeiss Model VIa optical planetarium projector has brought the wonder of the night sky to countless visitors.

Lockheed 5B Vega in Pioneers of Flight

October 01, 2019

Transforming the Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery

Story

The Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery, home of the Lindberghs, Earhart, Doolittle, and Piper, among many other pioneers, closes on October 7 as part of the transformation of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, but it will be back in 2022. We explore the many versions of Pioneers of Flight.

People and aircraft on flight deck

September 30, 2019

The Power of Black and White Photography: Learning to See in Shades of Grey

Story | Air and Space Photos

A museum staff photographer reflects on photographing in black and white and learning to see in shades of grey.

Purple and pink logo of AirSpace

September 26, 2019

AirSpace Season 2|Ep.14
Survivor 

Story | AirSpace Podcast

In the final episode of season 2, Emily, Nick, and Matt discuss the implications of tardigrades on the Moon, and why scientists are working hard to ensure that microbes from Earth aren’t contaminating our search for life in the solar system.