Space & Aviation
Explore Space & Aviation across the Smithsonian through stories, events, and exhibitions. Use the filters to browse by format, then bookmark events and exhibitions to keep track of what you want to visit or attend.
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The Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) collaboration promises to learn more about black holes than we've ever seen, including imaging the photon ring that surrounds a black hole and holds the fingerprints of what's just beyond its event horizon.
My story didn’t start until 1980; the same year The Empire Strikes Back made its legendary debut. These days, I find myself working at the National Air and Space Museum, a place where science fiction and real-world exploration collide in the best . Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launches on Aug. 31, 2026 with a wide field of view that is unprecedented in astronomy.
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Richard I. Bong, flying a plane decorated with a portrait of his future wife Marge, became America’s highest-scoring “ace” and received a Medal of Honor.
The USS San Jacinto was converted from a cruiser hull to get into WWII fast. Carrying over 30 planes, its mission was to scout, defend, and attack across the Pacific.
"Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air" explorers how military aviation during WWII was essential for victory and changed the nature and experience of war.
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These giant celestial objects have mostly been identified at the centers of galaxies, where they’re known to reside. But a recently discovered one appears to be more than 30,000 light-years from its host galaxy’s heart.
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The Cradle of Aviation Museum recently acquired a Curtiss Oriole, three-seat biplane manufactured at a nearby Garden City factory.