Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.Architecture is often seen as the art of creating spaces, but at its core, it is also a profound act of storytelling an interpretation of the cultural and historical essence of a place. Each design tells a story not only of its function but also of the people, traditions and environment that shape it. I believe that for architects, working on projects in unfamiliar and different locations can be as transformative as traveling. Both experiences demand an openness to the unfamiliar, a respect for local traditions, and a willingness to learn from the surroundings. They challenge preconceived notions and inspire innovative solutions, fostering a deeper connection between design and the diverse tapestry of human experience.Architecture as a Two-Way ExchangePabelln 3Eby TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual, Yucatan, MexicoJust as a traveler learns to navigate new landscapes, tastes and customs, architects immersed in foreign projects confront the subtleties of cultural expectations, site-specific constraints and regional craftsmanship. Designing a library in Tokyo, for instance, requires an understanding of Japans spatial philosophies and reverence for light and shadow, while constructing a community center in Mexico may draw deeply on vibrant colors and the centrality of outdoor living. These lessons rooted in context and sensitivity shape not just the final design but also the architects worldview.In a way, architecture becomes a two-way exchange: the design adapts to reflect the spirit of its environment, while the designer absorbs lessons that redefine their creative process. The result is not merely a structure but a living testament to the dialogue between cultures. Like travel, such experiences leave a lasting imprint, enriching not only the places we create but also the people we become. Architecture, at its best, is a deeply human endeavor that bridges the physical world with the cultural, historical, and emotional layers of a place. Just as travel exposes us to new perspectives and enriches our understanding of the world, working on a diverse portfolio of architectural projects offers a similar transformation. For architects, engaging with projects in varied locations and cultures isnt just about creating buildings; its about creating connections and learning lessons that shape both professional and personal growth.The Parallels Between Travel and Designing Across CulturesHouse of the Big Archby FrankiePappas, South AfricaTravel is often celebrated for its ability to broaden horizons. It challenges us to adapt to unfamiliar environments, embrace different customs, and appreciate new ways of living. Architecture, when approached with a similar openness, offers the same rewards. Designing for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds or creating spaces in vastly different environments requires an architect to step outside their comfort zone and approach each project with fresh eyes. For instance, consider the difference between designing a home in the dense, vertical cities of East Asia versus a sprawling ranch in the wide-open landscapes of the American Midwest. Beyond just technical adaptations, the architect must understand the cultural values tied to these spaces, such as the importance of communal living in Japans compact layouts or the celebration of solitude and vastness in the rural U.S. These insights are not just professional skills; they are cultural lessons that stay with an architect long after the project ends.The House of the Big Arch by Frankie Pappas in South Africa demonstrates how architecture, like travel, thrives on adapting to and embracing unfamiliar contexts. Designed to weave through a private nature reserve, the house honors the lands ecological and cultural significance, showing how architects can learn from and respect their environment. Much like understanding communal living in a dense city or solitude in rural landscapes, this project reflects South Africas ethos of environmental stewardship. By letting the site guide the design, it offers lessons in humility and cultural insight that extend beyond the project, proving that architecture, like travel, is a journey of empathy and discovery.Working With Diverse Clients: A Masterclass in Human ConnectionCamp Sarika by Amangiri by Luxury Frontiers, Canyon Point, UtahTravel often fosters empathy by exposing us to diverse perspectives, teaching us to connect with people whose experiences and values differ from our own. Similarly, architects grow profoundly when working with clients from varied cultural and social backgrounds. These collaborations require more than technical expertisethey demand the ability to truly listen, adapt, and translate intangible aspirations into tangible spaces. Every project becomes a cultural exchange, where understanding the clients traditions, values, and needs shapes the designs authenticity. For instance, Camp Sarika by Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah, exemplifies how architecture can thoughtfully balance universal appeal with cultural and environmental specificity. Nestled in a breathtaking desert landscape, the design embraces the raw beauty of its surroundings while delivering a luxurious experience. The camps tented pavilions blend into the rugged terrain, using natural materials and soft, earthy tones that echo the deserts palette. Rather than overt cultural motifs, the design focuses on connecting guests to the natural world. Expansive views, minimalist interiors, and the careful positioning of structures allow the dramatic landscape to take center stage. This subtle approach respects the environment while creating a serene retreat for a global clientele seeking a deep connection to the land.These experiences teach architects to navigate the delicate balance between universal design principles and cultural specificity. They develop a sensitivity that allows them to create spaces that resonate deeply with their users, reflecting not only functional needs but also emotional and cultural narratives. Ultimately, this cross-cultural engagement enriches an architects approach, turning each project into a journey of connection, discovery, and shared understanding.Learning From Local Contexts: The Architect as a Cultural ObserverLaayoune Technology Schoolby El Kabbaj Kettani Siana Architects, MoroccoTravelers often marvel at the details of a new place the texture of cobblestones underfoot, the rhythm of daily life, or the interplay of light and shadow in a market square. Architects working in unfamiliar locations must similarly become keen observers, immersing themselves in the local context to inform their designs. Take, for instance, the use of local materials. In the sun-baked regions of Morocco, earth-based construction techniques like rammed earth walls naturally regulate temperature, offering both sustainability and cultural authenticity. In contrast, the wood-heavy structures of Nordic countries celebrate the abundant forests and connection to nature. An architect who studies and incorporates these local traditions gains not just practical knowledge but also a deeper respect for the ingenuity embedded in regional design practices.Situated in the arid climate of southern Morocco, the Laayoune Technology School project draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan construction techniques and the desert environment, demonstrating a profound understanding of local materials and cultural practices. The architects utilized earthy tones and textures that harmonize with the surrounding landscape, creating a building that feels like a natural extension of its environment. The use of courtyards, shaded walkways, and thick walls is not only practical for managing the regions intense heat but also reflects the spatial strategies found in traditional Moroccan architecture. These design elements ensure thermal comfort while paying homage to the cultural and environmental ingenuity of the region.The Professional and Personal Growth of a Globally Minded ArchitectNational Museum of Qatarby LObservatoire International, Doha, QatarJust as travel changes the way we see the world, working on diverse projects reshapes the way architects approach design by pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Each new project presents unique challenges different climates, materials, cultural norms and client expectations that demand fresh, creative responses. This process not only sharpens an architects adaptability but also broadens their understanding of how architecture can truly serve human needs in varying contexts.More importantly, this journey instills a deep sense of humility. Architects learn that they are not just designers but collaborators in a much larger narrative, one that includes the history, culture, and essence of a place. Every design decision becomes a conversation with its surroundings, ensuring the resulting spaces resonate with authenticity and purpose. This mindset transforms projects into opportunities for personal growth, as architects must listen, adapt, and immerse themselves in perspectives different from their own. This growth extends beyond the professional realm. Architects who embrace a diverse portfolio often find that their personal lives are similarly enriched. Lessons in collaboration, patience, and cultural appreciation influence how they approach relationships and interactions, fostering a deeper empathy and understanding of others. In this way, the act of designing becomes not just about creating buildings but also about building a more thoughtful, connected way of engaging with the world.Designing With a Travelers SpiritIn both architecture and travel, the journey is as important as the destination. Gaining experience working on projects in different locations, with clients from varied backgrounds, is a journey of discovery one that mirrors the transformative power of travel. Its about more than building structures; its about building connections, understanding cultures and leaving each place a little better than you found it. For architects, this approach not only enhances their designs but also shapes them into global citizens, capable of weaving the threads of diverse stories into meaningful spaces. Just as every trip changes the traveler, every project in a new place leaves an indelible mark on the architect, proving that the world itself is the greatest classroom for those willing to explore.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post How a Diverse Portfolio of Architectural Projects Unlocks the Wisdom of Travel appeared first on Journal.

The 500px Global Photography Awards are back, and were inviting photographers from around the world to submit their best photos taken or uploaded to 500px in 2024. Open to both Hobbyists and Professionals, these awards celebrate outstanding photography across six diverse categories.Whether youre a seasoned pro or just starting in photography, this is your chance to showcase your talent, connect with a global community of passionate photographers, and compete for $23,000 in incredible prizes.What are the 500px Global Photography Awards?The 500px Global Photography Awards are an annual competition designed to recognize and celebrate creativity, innovation, and storytelling in photography. Photographers can enter their work into one of six unique categories.Landscape: Showcase the beauty of nature, from grand vistas to intimate moments in the wild.Portrait: Capture the essence of human connection, emotion, and personality.Fine Art: Express your creativity with imaginative and artistic compositions.Documentary: Share compelling stories and real-world moments through honest imagery.Still Life: Turn everyday objects into works of art with careful composition.Architecture: Highlight the design, lines, and elegance of man-made structures.Each category will award two winnersone Hobbyist and one Professionalwith 12 total winners selected.Why submit to the awards?Heres why the 500px Global Photography Awards are worth your time:Recognition: Have your work seen and celebrated by a global photography community.Prizes: Compete for a share of $23,000 in prizes, including high-end gear, cash prizes, and more.Exposure: Winners will be featured on 500pxs blog, social media, and email campaigns, reaching millions of photography enthusiasts worldwide.Community: Be part of a passionate group of photographers who inspire and support one another.Submitting is free for all 500px members. Not a member? Sign up today and join the competition!What can you win?Category winners: Each of the six category winners (Pro and Hobbyist) will receive:Pro: DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo, Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD, Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack, Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod, Xpozer 2436 Print, and more. Total value: $2,000 US.Hobbyist: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo, Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD, JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit, Xpozer 2436 Print, and more. Total value: $900 US.Photographer of the Year (Selected from the category winners):Pro: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo, ThinkTank BackLight 26L Backpack, and $1,000 US cash prize. Total value: $4,150 US.Hobbyist: DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo, ThinkTank BackLight 26L Backpack, and $500 US cash prize. Total value: $1,800 US.How to enterEntering the 500px Global Photography Awards is easy:1. Join 500px: If youre not already a member, sign up for free and become part of a passionate photography community.2. Submit your work: Upload your best photos taken or uploaded in 2024 to one of the six categories.3. Stand out: Showcase your creativity, skill, and perspective to impress the judges.Key dates to rememberSubmissions open: December 17, 2024Submission deadline: January 19, 2024Dont waitstart planning your submissions now!Be part of the 500px Global Photography AwardsThe 500px Global Photography Awards are more than just a competitiontheyre a celebration of the art and passion that define photography. Whether youre a Professional looking to make your mark or a Hobbyist ready to share your talent, this is your chance to shine.Join the 500px community, submit your best work, and you could walk away with incredible prizes, recognition, and the coveted title of 500px Photographer of the Year.Submit your photos today!The post The 500px Global Photography Awards 2024: Submit your best work appeared first on 500px.

Gearbox and 2K havent shown much of Borderlands 4so far, butthe little that we have seen so far has certainly looked like a tonal shift fromBorderlands 3in particular. The 2019 title was obviously an accomplished looter shooter and a big commercial success, but among other things, it received criticism for its over-reliance on what was deemed crass toilet humour by many. That, however, is something thatBorderlands 4seems to be steering away from, as confirmed by its narrative director as well.Taking to Twitter, Gearboxs Sam Winkler touched on the topic, stating that though he couldnt yet say much aboutBorderlands 4, he agrees with criticism ofBorderlands 3soverabundance of toilet humour, before adding in a follow-up tweet that its sequel will be doing things differently.Im not gonna say theres no toilets but if the word skibidi ships in the game under my watch Im gonna cry real tears, Winkler wrote. [Forbes journalist] Paul Tassi joked that we were gonna have a gun called Hawk 2A and a fellow dev asked me if it was real and I wanted to put my hand down the sink grinder.Humour has obviously been an important part oftheBorderlandsexperience for as long as it has been around, though whether or not the series has succeeded in its attempts at it is a question audiences havent ever been able to agree on. WhetherBorderlands 4will be more successful with its attempts at humour remains to be seen, but at least the change in direction is encouraging.Borderlands 4is due out in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. A gameplay trailer will be revealed sometime in the years early months, so stay tuned for that.Not at liberty to talk much about the content of BL4, but I remain firm in my criticism of BL3s overabundance of toilet humor. Sam Winkler (@ThatSamWinkler) December 16, 2024Im not gonna say theres no toilets but if the word skibidi ships in the game under my watch Im gonna cry real tears. Paul Tassi joked that we were gonna have a gun called Hawk 2A and a fellow dev asked me if it was real and I wanted to put my hand down the sink grinder Sam Winkler (@ThatSamWinkler) December 16, 2024

Microsoft had a slow start to its year of Xbox exclusives, but its ending with a bang courtesy of MachineGames Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The first-person action-adventure title launched last week to exceptional critical praise, and a new accolades trailer is available to highlight it.Featuring a story by Starfield director Todd Howard, players embody the famous archaeologist on a new worldwide adventure, this time investigating the titular Great Circle. Theyll traverse Egypt, Thailand, Shanghai, the Himalayas, and more, and butt heads with Emmerich Voss of the Nazis.The gameplay captures the spirit of the films, discouraging firearms as Indy leans more into melee combat. You can also sneak around environments and pick up random objects to knock out enemies. While its a linear single-player experience, some levels are semi-open world and feature an extensive amount of content.Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is available on Xbox Series X/S and PC, with its PS5 version due in Spring 2025. Check out our review here.

tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic Lehouxtmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre, which recently opened in in New Westminster, British Columbia, has been awarded a Special Prize for Interiors in the Sports category at the Prix Versailles in Paris.tmsewtx, derived from the hnqminm language and meaning Sea Otter House Aquatic and Community Centre, was designed by hcma architecture + design, for all ages and abilities with a focus on community connections, wellness-based activities, and sporting and fitness activities.tmsewtx was shortlisted against six other international sports architecture projects, including the Paris Olympic Aquatic Centre. It is only the third Canadian project to earn recognition in the competitions history, with the other two being the Holt Renfrew Ogilvy flagship in Montreal (Jeffrey Hutchinson & Associates and Lemay, caf by Laplace and Lemay) and the Apple Flagship Store in Vancouver (Perkins & Will).tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe tmsewtx facility has also recently been certified gold for accessibility by the Rick Hansen Foundation, which reinforces the principles of inclusive and accessible design that were core aspects of the facilitys planning and detailing.tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe facility is located on the edge of a residential neighbourhood north of the Fraser River, which has been a cultural and economic life source for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.The project, located on the site of the former headwaters of Glenbrook Ravine, which was lost to development over the preceding decades, takes a strong stance toward reconciliation with the natural character of the landscape.tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe 10,684 sq m / 114,571 sq ft aquatic community centre is Canadas first completed all-electric aquatic facility to achieve the Canada Green Building Councils (CAGBC) Zero Carbon Building-Design Standard. tmsewtx is also the first to use the gravity-fedInBluefiltration system, which reduces the need for chlorine usage and creation of associated harmful byproducts.tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe post tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre wins Prix VersaillesSpecial Prize appeared first on Canadian Architect.

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024Posted by Jim ThackerCell Fluids 2.0 for Blender is outhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"CG artist and programmer Shahzod Boyhonov (specoolar) has updated Cell Fluids, his promising lightweight fluid solver based on Blenders Geometry Nodes system.Cell Fluids 2.0 makes it possible to art direct fluid flow with guide curves, to increase the resolution of a simulation, and to integrate simulations with a larger ocean surface.A promising lightweight semi-realtime Blender fluid simulatorFirst released last year, Cell Fluids is a Geometry Nodes-based fluid solver.Its compatible with both Blenders Cycles and Eevee renderers, and is described as being fast enough to work interactively, with the simulation being calculated in semi-realtime.It isnt a particle-based solver it generates a water surface with displacement rather than a full 3D fluid so it has some limitations, listed in the online documentation.However, as well as rendering simulations inside Blender, users can bake them to a static mesh and flow maps, for export to game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.Art direct simulations by using guide curves to control fluid flowNew features in Cell Fluids 2.0 include the option to art direct simulations by using guide curves to control the direction in which the fluid flows.There are also new shaders mimicking a range of real-world materials, including lava, oil and juice, although the plugin doesnt currently have true viscosity support for thicker fluids.New options for creating larger, more details simulationsCell Fluids 2.0 also introduces some significant new features when it comes to using the plugin in production, including the option to increase the resolution of a simulation.It is also possible to subdivide a simulation as a post-process, to further enhance details.The update also introduces a simple ocean blending system, for blending the borders of the fluid surface generated with a larger ocean plane: it currently only works for relatively still water.Potential use cases include simulating the wake of a boat without the need to simulate the entire expanse of ocean surrounding it.It is also now possible to simulate custom frame ranges, and to increase the speed of a simulation.Price and system requirementsCell Fluids 2.0 is compatible with Blender 4.1+. It now costs $25, up $5 from the original release.Read more about lightweight real-time fluid solver Cell Fluids on Blender MarketHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Latest NewsCell Fluids 2.0 for Blender is outPopular lightweight Blender fluid simulation add-on now lets you art direct simulations with guide curves. Check out the other new features.Tuesday, December 17th, 2024Unigine 2.19.1 can now import and export USD filesGame engine now imports meshes, materials, lights and animation in USD format, including in the free Community edition.Monday, December 16th, 2024Boris FX releases Mocha Pro 2025Tracking app's new AI-powered roto workflow lets users isolate objects with a single click, then propagate the matte through an entire shot.Monday, December 16th, 2024Master Designing Sci-Fi Props for FilmDiscover how to create 3D designs that can be turned into physical movie props with The Gnomon Workshop's detailed tutorial.Monday, December 16th, 2024Adobe releases Substance 3D Stager 3.1 in betaScene layout and rendering app gets new generative AI features, including a new text-to-3D system for creating background models.Saturday, December 14th, 2024Nekki releases Cascadeur Mobile 1.2New iPad and iPhone edition of Nekki's AI-assisted character animation software can now import and export data in FBX format.Saturday, December 14th, 2024More Newsukasz Czy releases UVPackmaster 3 for MayaBlender add-on ClayPencil turns 2D animation into 3D 'claymation'Foundry releases Nuke 16.0 in betaChaos releases V-Ray 7 for SketchUpThe new V-Ray for Blender is available in betaFoundry releases Katana 8.0Foundry releases Mari 7.1Tutorial - Modeling for Film & TV: Hard-Surface VehiclesAutodesk open-sources USD for 3ds MaxGet Epic Games' free Project Titan Unreal Engine sampleMaxon releases Redshift 2025.2Maxon releases Cinema 4D 2025.1Older Posts

Monday, December 16th, 2024Posted by Jim ThackerMaster Designing Sci-Fi Props for Filmhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The Gnomon Workshop has released Designing Sci-Fi Props for Film, a guide to concept design and modeling, recorded by concept artist Kris Turvey.The workshop provides over three hours of video training in Photoshop, CAD application Fusion, and Substance 3D Painter for texturing.Discover how to design and model sci-fi props suitable for use in movie productionsIn the workshop, Turvey demonstrates his complete workflow for designing and modeling a sci-fi object that can be fabricated as a physical prop for use in a movie: a handheld DNA scanner.Beginning with his mind-mapping process to generate ideas, he explains how to develop concepts quickly by sketching in Photoshop. He then demonstrates how to take those quick concepts to more advanced presentations using simple techniques with the Airbrush and Selection tools.Turvey then takes one of the designs into Fusion, showcasing the parametric 3D modeling techniques he uses to create models that can be physically fabricated.To complete the workflow, he demonstrates how to take the final Fusion model into Substance 3D Painter to apply materials and generate final presentation renders efficiently.As well as practical techniques, Turvey sets out the design principles involved in creating objects that communicate their function to an audience quickly and effectively.Viewers of the workshop can download the final Fusion project file as well as the tutorial videos.About the artistKris Turvey is a freelance concept artist and art director with over 15 years of experience. He serves on the core committee of the British Film Designers Guild and is a member of BAFTA.He has worked on movies and TV shows including Dune: Part Two, Renegade Nell and Black Doves, as well as projects in games, advertising and live events. Pricing and availabilityDesigning Sci-Fi Props for Film is available via a subscription to The Gnomon Workshop, which provides access to over 300 tutorials.Subscriptions cost $57/month or $519/year. Free trials are available.Read more about Designing Sci-Fi Props for Film on The Gnomon Workshops websiteHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Full disclosure: CG Channel is owned by Gnomon.Latest NewsCell Fluids 2.0 for Blender is outPopular lightweight Blender fluid simulation add-on now lets you art direct simulations with guide curves. Check out the other new features.Tuesday, December 17th, 2024Unigine 2.19.1 can now import and export USD filesGame engine now imports meshes, materials, lights and animation in USD format, including in the free Community edition.Monday, December 16th, 2024Boris FX releases Mocha Pro 2025Tracking app's new AI-powered roto workflow lets users isolate objects with a single click, then propagate the matte through an entire shot.Monday, December 16th, 2024Master Designing Sci-Fi Props for FilmDiscover how to create 3D designs that can be turned into physical movie props with The Gnomon Workshop's detailed tutorial.Monday, December 16th, 2024Adobe releases Substance 3D Stager 3.1 in betaScene layout and rendering app gets new generative AI features, including a new text-to-3D system for creating background models.Saturday, December 14th, 2024Nekki releases Cascadeur Mobile 1.2New iPad and iPhone edition of Nekki's AI-assisted character animation software can now import and export data in FBX format.Saturday, December 14th, 2024More Newsukasz Czy releases UVPackmaster 3 for MayaBlender add-on ClayPencil turns 2D animation into 3D 'claymation'Foundry releases Nuke 16.0 in betaChaos releases V-Ray 7 for SketchUpThe new V-Ray for Blender is available in betaFoundry releases Katana 8.0Foundry releases Mari 7.1Tutorial - Modeling for Film & TV: Hard-Surface VehiclesAutodesk open-sources USD for 3ds MaxGet Epic Games' free Project Titan Unreal Engine sampleMaxon releases Redshift 2025.2Maxon releases Cinema 4D 2025.1Older Posts

Blending atmospheric exploration, stealth, and combat, Metro Awakening is one of the most compelling VR gaming experiences of the year. Discover how Vertigo Games used UE5 to create a true feeling of presence in the game.

Smithsonian magazines coverage of 2024 reflected the eclectic interests of our audience, as well as their search for diversion in a year of news dominated by political polarization, presential assassination attempts, and unrest in the Middle East and Europe, among other crises.Our editors tracked major milestones in space exploration and climate science, and they chronicled intriguing finds like the wreck of a World War II submarine and a colossal stone monument built 1,000 years before Stonehenge. Drawing on the rich archive of images submitted to the magazines annual Photo Contest, our photography editors transported readers to Cuba, captured the beauty of birds, and celebrated events like Pride Month and Mothers Day. The first season of our podcast, Theres More to That, asked our journalists and editors about Pablo Escobars hippos, the crime of the century and the enduring appeal of eclipses. Our writers also paid tribute to towering figures who died in 2024, including actor James Earl Jones, painter Faith Ringgold and record producer Quincy Jones.From a curious, century-old contraption to the history of the United States accents and dialects, these were some of Smithsonians most-read stories of 2024.A Man Noticed a Strange Shape on the Ground on Google Earth. It Turned Out to Be the Mark of an Undetected Tornado A man spotted the scar while looking at Google Earth satellite imagery earlier this year. Screenshot via Google EarthOur top story of the year centered on Google Earth satellite imagery of the Nullarbor Plain, a flat, dry and treeless expanse in southern Australia. While searching for caves with the interactive tool, a man spotted a strange, V-shaped line on the ground. Upon investigating, researchers determined that the 6.8-mile-long scar likely reflected the trail of a previously undetected tornado that struck the region in mid-November 2022.As study author Matej Lipar wrote in the Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science, Tornado paths leave behind a scarred landscape, which can indicate tornado intensity. The storms are capable of stripping away topsoil, uprooting vegetation and scouring the ground, leaving strikingly looped cycloidal marks on the earths surface. Based on the appearance of the Nullarbor Plain scar, the researchers suspect that the 2022 tornado measured an F2 or F3 on the Fujita Scale of intensity, spinning clockwise at speeds of more than 124 miles per hour over a period of 7 to 13 minutes.According to Smithsonian correspondent Sarah Kuta, Not everyone is convinced that the scar alone can reveal all that information. Since the tornado didnt damage any buildings and had no witnesses, its difficult to estimate its intensity. Still, the paper offers an intriguing case study for using satellite imagery to track natural phenomena in remote, uninhabited areas.Historians Say Theyve Solved the Mystery of a Curious 100-Year-Old Contraption Discovered in Storage The machine features a ceramic countertop and two parallel rollersone that's covered with small nubs. Dorchester County Historical SocietyIn October, the Maryland-based Dorchester County Historical Society shared photographs of a century-old contraption on its Facebook page. Can you identify this machine? the society wrote in its post. It has a new motor but everything else is around 100 years old. What local industry would have used it?Facebook users flooded the comments with suggestions, from a paper press to a clothing wringer to a leather tanning tool. The answer, however, turned out to be a more obscure artifact: a mechanical beaten biscuit maker used to craft a treat that was once popular in the American South. Sturdier than traditional Southern biscuits, beaten biscuits derive their name from the strenuous process of removing air from the dough by beating it with an ax, rolling pin or hammer. Experts believe that a Maryland man created the newly identified machine to make this work easier for his aunt, who ran a local beaten biscuit business.Maryland has a deep history of making beaten biscuits, Zo Phillips, the historical societys executive director, told Smithsonian in November. There is the Maryland Beaten Biscuit brand, but here in Cambridge, there was also a bakery called the Camper Sisters Bakery that made beaten biscuits as well. Some of their family members still sell them.These Fossil Teeth From an 11-Year-Old Reveal Clues to Why Humans Developed an Unusually Long ChildhoodDmanisi tooth developmentWatch on Compared with most mammals, humans stick with their parents for an extended period of time, relying on caregivers to raise and provide for them over multiple years. Chimpanzees, for example, reach adulthood twice as fast as humans. Scientists have offered a range of potential explanations for this lengthy childhood, with many pointing to the evolutionary need for youths to develop bigger brains before maturing to adulthood.A study published in NatureSmithsonian correspondent Alexa Robles-Gil reported in November, the fossil teeth of an 11-year-old hominid who lived in what is now Dmanisi, Georgia, some 1.77 million years ago show he experienced delayed development like those of modern human children during the first several years of life. Later, the youth switched to more great-ape-like growth.The findings complicate the idea that early humans evolved to have long childhoods because their brains needed more time to develop. The researchers point out that the brains of the Dmanisi hominid and his peers were only slightly larger than chimpanzees, meaning the change predated a major increase in humans brain size. Members of the Homo genus may have developed long childhoods to spend more time learning social behavior, before brain development intensified, Robles-Gil wrote. Its also possible, however, that the prehistoric childs slow dental development was the result of environmental factors like available foods rather than social interactions and brain size.Workers Uncover an Underground Chamber Sealed for More Than a Century Near the National Mall The opening to the cistern was discovered beneath Jefferson Drive, which runs alongside the Smithsonian Castle and other museums. National Park ServiceContrary to popular myth, the Smithsonian Institution does not boast an underground storage facility below the National Mall in Washington, D.C. And though the National Park Service (NPS) discovered a secret chamber near the Smithsonian Castle this September, the 30-by-9-foot space turned out to be a simple cistern built to collect rainwater in 1847. When workers opened the sealed chamber, they found it completely empty.Sadly, no national treasures or secret symbols were recovered, the NPS wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. But the cistern offers a neat glimpse into the museums and the National Malls past.In her article on the cistern, Smithsonian correspondent Sonja Anderson detailed this rich history, outlining the Castles origins and evolution from a museum building and residence into an administrative office and visitor center.Adorable but Deadly Fluff Balls, Better Known as Pygmy Slow Lorises, Born at the Smithsonians National Zoo Pygmy slow loris babies Zuko (left) and Azula (right) hang out on the branches in their habitat at the Small Mammal House. National Zoo and Conservation Biology InstituteIn late March, staff at the Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) discovered a pair of baby pygmy slow lorises clinging to their mother in an enclosure at the Small Mammal House. They were probably born right before we came in, animal keeper Kara Ingraham told Smithsonian. Members of an endangered species native to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, the siblings were the first pygmy slow lorises to be born at NZCBI.The babies quickly won over the public with their teddy bear-like features, including oversized eyes, cherubic faces and rounded ears. Unfortunately, these same attributes have made pygmy slow lorises a big target for wildlife trafficking and the pet trade, Ingraham said. Buyers enchanted by the animals appearance fail to realize that they make horrible household pets: In addition to requiring a steady diet of tree sap, pygmy slow lorises are the only primates known to produce venom, which is strong enough to cause anaphylactic shock in adult humans.Their social, medical and nutritional needs are really difficult to meet for pet owners, and the pressure that the illegal pet trade puts on their wild populations has driven the decline in their population, Ingraham said. We hope that guests understand what animals do and do not make good pets, and when they see videos of exotic animals in pet homes, that they remember the loris and dont engage with or support that content.A Massive Crane Helping With the Baltimore Bridge Cleanup Was Built to Recover a Sunken Soviet Submarine The Chesapeake 1000 can lift up to 1,000 tons. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Hannah MohrThe shocking collapse of Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge this spring sparked an ambitious cleanup operation involving floating cranes, explosives and a fleet of tugboats. One of these tools, a crane called the Chesapeake 1000, boasted a surprising past: The machine, originally named the Sun 800, played a role in Project Azorian, a top-secret CIA effort to recover a Soviet submarine that disappeared in the Pacific Ocean in 1968.Named for the number of tons it could lift, wrote Sarah Kuta for Smithsonian, the crane was used to hoist a 630-ton gimbal during construction of the Hughes Glomar Explorer, a ship with a powerful hydraulic system and a claw that could lift the [submarines] wreckage from the depths. Though the CIA managed to recover one-third of the Soviet vessel in 1974, the mission failed to yield any useful intelligenceor so the spy agency claimed.Kutas April article wasnt Smithsonians only coverage of the accident, which unfolded in the early morning hours of March 26, when a cargo ship struck one of the Baltimore bridges support pillars, sending the structure plunging into the Patapsco River and killing six people. We also examined how increasingly large cargo ships are placing decades-old infrastructure at risk and explored the circumstances behind seven of the worst bridge disasters in history.Divers in Mexicos Underwater Caves Get a Glimpse of Rarely Seen Artifacts, Fossils and Human Remains Looking up from the depths of the Blue Abyss highlights this in-cave sinkhole's distinctive shape and azure tones. Martin BroenIn this excerpt of Martin Broens Light in the Underworld: Diving the Mexican Cenotes, the photographer and diver chronicled the rich history of the Yucatn Peninsulas underwater caves. Formed over millions of years, thousands of natural sinkholes known as cenotes connect the surface of the earth to the longest underground river systems in the world, Broen wrote. Here, water doesnt accumulate on the surface as rivers, but instead gets absorbed through the porous limestone to flow within underground tunnels.Cenotes were sacred to the Maya civilization, whose members viewed them as a place for worship and rituals related to rain, life, death and rebirth, according to Broen. Today, the caverns hold evidence of both the Maya and the people who inhabited the region before them, as well as the fossils of prehistoric megafauna. As Broen wrote, The fossils concealed within the caves constitute genuine treasures, allowing for teams of specialized scientists to explore these wonders, aiming to unravel scientific enigmas, construct hypotheses and shed light on the mysteries that shroud our planets history.Meet Vivian Maier, the Reclusive Nanny Who Secretly Became One of the Best Street Photographers of the 20th Century A self-portrait taken in New York by Vivian Maierin 1954 Estate of Vivian Maier / Maloof Collection / Howard Greenberg Gallery, NYVivian Maier, a photographer who captured more than 150,000 evocative images of life in New York and Chicago in the mid-20th century, was overlooked for much of her career. A nanny by trade, Maier often left her negatives undeveloped, and in her later years, she stored much of her oeuvre in storage units whose contents eventually landed on the auction block. Thats how 30,000 of Maiers negatives ended up in the possession of amateur historian John Maloof, who spent several years tracking down additional examples of her work. In 2009, Maloof started sharing the photos online, where Maier quickly became a sensation, wrote Smithsonians Ellen Wexler in July. Everyone wanted to know about the recluse who had so adeptly captured 20th-century America.Published to mark the opening of the first major American retrospective dedicated to Maier, Wexlers article outlined the artists mysterious backstory: Though many of the families Maier worked for knew of her interest in photography, most never saw her prints, and one former employer even said, I never remotely thought that what she was doing would have some special artistic value. Today, Maier has been elevated to her rightful place as one of the 20th centurys pre-eminent street photographers, renowned for capturing images of everyday life framed with a stark humor and intuitive understanding of human emotion, according to Wexler.A Brief History of the United States Accents and Dialects Accents center on the pronunciation of words, while dialects encompass pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. Here, the subjects of Grant Wood'sAmerican Gothic channel speaking styles popular in California and New York. Illustration by Meilan Solly / Background image via Art Institute of Chicago under public domainAcross the country, Americans speak English in dozens of different ways, each influenced by geography, settlement history and class differences. Historically, its about migration and who went where at a given time, linguist Jessi Grieser told Smithsonian contributor Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton. Speaking styles shape how people perceive each other, and theyre often divided into two categories: accents, which revolve around the pronunciation of words, and dialects, which cover pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. Both tend to vary by region.In her article, Boyanton provided an overview of the accents and dialects heard in California, Texas, New Orleans, the American West and Appalachia. On the U.S.s East Coast, early 17th-century English settlers founded separate colonies that each had their own distinct manner of speaking. Because long-distance travel was difficult at the time, these styles evolved in isolation, resulting in greater linguistic variation in the region.As the country expanded west in the 19th century, white settlers from the East Coast moved inland, bringing their regional dialects with them. By then, travel was far easier, so dialects mixed more freely, producing a somewhat homogenized Western speaking style, wrote Boyanton. Changes are continuing to happen all the time, linguist Karen Adams said, but a simple truth remains: Everyone speaks a dialect, and everyone has an accent.Missed the Auroras in May? Heres How to See Them Next Time The northern lights appear near Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Canada, on May 11, 2024. Gunjan Sinha via AurorasaurusOn May 10 and 11, an unusually strong geomagnetic storm allowed people around the world to view the northern lights at latitudes where theyre rarely seen, from Florida to Spain. To help individuals who missed the stunning show improve their chances of future skywatching success, Smithsonians Carlyn Kranking posed some of the biggest northern lights questions to aurora chasers and scientists.Among these experts top tips: Schedule a trip to the Arctic Circle between September and March, the peak season for aurora-chasing, and venture out during the darkest hours of the day, typically just after midnight local time. If an international adventure isnt in the cards for you, keep an eye out for local forecasts of coronal mass ejections, which are responsible for producing the dazzling displays. Experts track these predictions and will start spreading the news on social media, so following aurora chasers and scientists could also bring you early alerts, Kranking wrote.Earth is currently experiencing a solar maximum, a period of heightened solar activity that will likely generate more auroras, though it remains to be seen whether any of these will rival the May show. As much as I would love a repeat of what happened on May 10, those are exceedingly rare events, aurora chaser Prisco Blanco told Smithsonian. A lot had to go right for that to happen. Even if the northern lights fail to return on a grand scale in 2025, stargazers will have plenty of options for nighttime viewing, including a total lunar eclipse in March and the annual Geminid, Perseid and Lyrid meteor showers.Photo credit for top image: Illustration by Meilan Solly / Clockwise from top left: Navy Petty Officer Second Class Hannah Mohr; Dorchester County Historical Society; Vincent Ledvina; ESRF / Paul Tafforeau, Vincent Beyrand; Martin Broen; Don Sniegowski via Flickr under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED; Estate of Vivian Maier / Maloof Collection / Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY; National Park Service; Kara Ingraham / Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute; Google EarthGet the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.