Animals
October 5, 2022

World’s Oldest Two-Headed Tortoise Turns 25 Years Old

Tortoises are known for living very long lives. So, living just a couple of decades isn’t normally a big deal for them, but it is cause for celebration when we’re talking about a two-headed tortoise. Meet Janus—the two-headed tortoise who just turned 25, making it the oldest living two-headed tortoise in the world. Janus, who is named after the two-headed Roman god, holds a special place in the museum's heart and amongst those who work there.

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Astrophotography
October 5, 2022

Photographer Captures Rare Sight of Jupiter and Four of Its Moons Rising Over a Red Barn

Like any good astrophotographer, Brennan Gilmore is always waiting for the perfect moment to get the shot he's after. And last month's Jupiter opposition was the moment that he'd been waiting for. For just a few days, the gas giant was the closest it's been to Earth in 59 years, which allowed Gilmore to take a photo that had been a year in the making.

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Social Cause
October 4, 2022

What Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day? How This Holiday Honors Native People

The U.S. celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October. This day of celebration honors Native people; it recognizes their resilience and contributions to American society throughout history—despite being displaced, forced to assimilate, and decimated after Christopher Columbus and other Europeans colonized North America. It corrects the notion that Columbus “found” America because Indigenous people were there first.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.