Stories - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place
All Stories
story
paleontology

The First Scientist to Study Dinosaur Footprints Thought Giant Birds Made Them

Edward Hitchcock clung to his theory, even when paleontologists said it didn’t fly.
December 12, 2017
Gastro Obscura
story
crime

How a Victim’s Last Meal Can Identify a Killer

To solve crimes, two botanists identify half-digested potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce under a microscope.
December 12, 2017
story
evil plants

America's Tumultuous Love Affair With Kudzu

Before the plant was considered a scourge, it was used for decoration, as livestock fodder, and to fight erosion.
December 11, 2017
story
behavior

Why Is This Crab Wearing Red and Green Pom-Poms?

It's not because it's getting into the holiday spirit.
December 11, 2017
story
wire

Why Is Anime Obsessed With Power Lines?

Exploring the reasons behind the genre's lavishly detailed electrical infrastructure.
December 11, 2017
story
astronauts

Remembering the Groundbreaking Life of the First Black Astronaut

Robert Lawrence Jr.'s accomplishments are finally being recognized.
December 11, 2017
Gastro Obscura
story
auctions

Feast Your Eyes on This 100-Year-Old Box of Chocolates

You can buy it too.
December 11, 2017
story
cards

The Most Festive Treasures of the New York Public Library's Maps Division

We wish you a mappy Christmas.
December 11, 2017
story
abandoned

Can an Anonymous Buyer Save a German Village on Its Last Legs?

For the tiny hamlet of Alwine, one bid stands between it and ruin.
December 11, 2017
Gastro Obscura
story
menu monday

Recreating King Midas's 2,700-Year-Old Feast

A mysterious tomb contained a royal feast. Scientific analysis made it possible to taste once again.
December 11, 2017
story
shorts

New Research Suggests Solar Storms Don't Lead Whales Astray

Whatever is causing whales to strand themselves on shore, it's likely a more complicated cocktail of factors.
December 11, 2017
Gastro Obscura
story
story

A Secret Supper Club's Marvelous Musical Meal

The members-only Spring Street Social Society branches out into interactive theater.
From Per La Mente
story
dogs

A 16th-Century Book on Forest Laws Had Alarming Rules About Dogs

"Who may keepe dogges within a forrest?"
December 8, 2017
story
bears

How Did the Grizzly Bear Cross the Road?

And how can we help them do it safely?
December 8, 2017
story
smells

Learning About Cities by Mapping Their Smells

The U.K. artist Kate McLean is trying to preserve our olfactory memory.
December 8, 2017
Gastro Obscura
story
almonds

In the Middle Ages, the Upper Class Went Nuts for Almond Milk

Today's craze is a second act; medieval chefs were equally enamored.
December 8, 2017
story
archive

The Selenophone, a Short-Lived, Highly Flammable Sound-Recording System

In an exhibit honoring the work of conductor Arturo Toscanini, there's an odd slice of recording technology.
December 8, 2017
story
unesco

The Whistled 'Bird Language' of Turkey May Be Lost Forever

Mobile phones are putting this ancient form of communication at risk.
December 8, 2017