Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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Did Atlantis Really Have Indoor Plumbing? Nov 14, 2016

Show notes

In 1967, archeologists discovered Akrotiri, an ancient city buried beneath Santorini. It may be the missing city of Atlantis, as well as the origin of the modern toilet.

Could You Carry 100 Pounds of Patrol Gear? Nov 14, 2016

Show notes

Vietnam War infantry soldiers had to carry 80-100 lbs. of gear amid hot, humid, and dangerous surroundings. 'The Weapon Hunter' host Paul Shull gets a taste of that grueling experience.

Mary Beard on Pompeii's Showiest Family Nov 07, 2016

Show notes

The Valentes were a wealthy family in Pompeii that used lavish, high-end parties to gain political clout. Classicist Mary Beard walks us through the remains of their opulent home and imagines what an evening in their company would be like.

What Really Happened to Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Ball? Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

An NBA expert has interviewed over 150 people in a quest to track down the ball used in Wilt Chamberlain's 1962 100-point game. But his findings only produce more questions.

Cameras Capture a Hornet Hatching Up-Close Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

After two weeks of encasement, it's time for the larvae, now adult hornets, to leave their silk cocoons. Get an intimate look at the moment one hatches and begins to experience life in its shiny new form.

Could Star Trek's Invisibility Cloak Become a Reality? Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

On Star Trek, the Romulans possess a cloaking device that renders its ship, the Bird-of-Prey, invisible. Now, years later, a group of scientists may have found a way to turn this technology into reality.

Laser Scientists Are Developing Star Trek's Phaser Oct 17, 2016

Show notes

Some of the technology from Star Trek is already coming to life in the Lockheed Martin lab. One high-energy laser beam, similar to the phaser from the series, can even track and destroy rockets.

Wu Zetian's Bold Move at the Spectacular Longmen Grottoes Oct 03, 2016

Show notes

The Longmen Grottoes remain one of the most sacred places in China. Which is why they were a perfect place for Wu Zetian, the country's first female ruler, to make a statement about her power.

Why Do Giraffes Have Patches? Oct 03, 2016

Show notes

The dark patches on a giraffe's body hide an intricate network of blood vessels and glands. These allow blood to flow through them, releasing heat and cooling the body.

Was Greek Goddess Aphrodite Inspired by Eastern Ideas? Sep 26, 2016

Show notes

Aphrodite is known as one of the greatest Greek goddesses. But, based off archaeological findings, she may have been inspired by Eastern civilization.

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