Cities Below the Dirt

Above: The ancient Mayan structure "Aguada Fénix" in a 3D LIDAR scan. Source: Takeshi Inomata
One of the most important questions an archaeologist can ask is, "Where to dig?" It's not always easy to tell where to look when you're trying to uncover the past and sometimes digging can even damage pieces of history. That's what makes LIDAR technology so amazing; using a system of lasers, scientists can create a three dimensional map of structures buried below the ground all without even touching the soil.
LIDAR or light detection and ranging technology, allows for aerial surveying through dense forests and even under the soil. Lasers penetrate the coverage and then bounce back, giving data on what was below.
Using this technique, a team of researchers in southern Mexico were able to identify nearly 500 unique ceremonial sites dating back to the Mayan and Olmec civilizations. Some of these structures date back to 1150 BCE and evidence of their existence was only able to be discovered through this amazing technology. You can learn more about LIDAR and the new research right here!
Featured Product
Space Exposed Tomato Seeds
Cool Things!

Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight!
Of the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere, the mesosphere (the third layer from Earth’s surface) is a height at which traditional aircraft have, thus far, been unable to reach on their own power. Generally beginning about 154,000 feet above sea level, even the world record for highest aircraft altitude falls about 20,000 feet short. However, a newly developing technology may change this reality, and it involves aircraft that punch high above their weight.

Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans!
In studying early human ancestors, known as “hominids,” anthropologists have historically found much wider variations from specimen to specimen than expected, particularly among other paleontological fields. A recent study argues that certain groups of hominid fossils previously thought to be an already discovered species constitute a new one entirely.

Learn About Iron Age Mummy Tattoos!
Tattoos have been a popular form of individual and societal expression for centuries around the world, making them a focal point of study for anthropologists and archaeologists. Unfortunately, the oldest examples are rarely preserved well enough for deep study, since skin usually decomposes before fossilization. In one recent case, however, new technology allowed researchers to draw new conclusions about the tattoos of one fascinating specimen: a well-preserved mummy.
Specimen Deep Dives

Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy

The Hollywood Sign: The Story of a City's Symbol Hollywoodland

Building Disneyland
Long Form Articles

The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers
While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.

Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.

Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!