Description: Smithsonian Books is publishing a pocket-sized version of "Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours," a 19th-century guide to color for artists, scientists, naturalists, and anthropologists. [via Colossal]The boundary of our known universe has expanded; a population of planets was discovered outside the Milky Way. [via WAPO]The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery's director, Kim
Description: During debates about the Smithsonian’s founding, the idea of using James Smithson’s bequest for a botanic garden was included in several drafts of the bill considered by Congress. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore commissioned America’s preeminent landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing to design plans for the National Mall, including grounds around the Smithsonian Castle,
Description: An intimate look at the painting conservation studio at the National Gallery of Art. [via NPR]A newly discovered species of wasp was named in honor of David Bowie. [via Mashable]The Smithsonian is just one of the organizations banning drinking straws due to the environmental harm they cause. [via Washington Post]Can real coral reefs be saved by artificial ones? [via Fusion