They march once more, this time to Houston 📍

Explore World of the Terracotta Warriors, opening November 14.

See ancient China’s unification under Qin Shi Huang brought to life through rare artifacts and stunning craftsmanship.

World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is jointly organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum of the People's Republic of China, and Bowers Museum in the United States.

Local support is provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises®.

#TerracottaWarriors #HMNS #HistoryUnearthed #WarriorsAtHMNS

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For centuries, China’s Terracotta Warriors have stirred the soul and ignited the imagination. Here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, we are thrilled, privileged, and honored to host these marvels within our own walls for all to witness. https://www.hmns.org/

Even if you do not drink it, the science and history behind bourbon is infused with notes of wonder, curiosity, and fascination. Bourbon expert Randy Bruner helps us to get acquainted with its enchanting history, as well as tips for those interested in developing their own taste for this historical spirit.

More info and upcoming tasting events: https://sugarland.hmns.org/

Have you ever noticed asteroid names and wondered how they came to be? Let's go to the HMNS George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park and talk to astronomer Tracy Knauss to learn all about it...and much more!

George Observatory
https://george.hmns.org/

More about our 36 inch scope
https://youtu.be/hz2-GgX9omg?si=Y5-Xbp6qORNLA8Tk

George VLOG
https://youtu.be/e9pXhaA0q8A?si=elZTB-o9GgLIQBM1

Tracy's Asteroid
https://fbac.org/2025/08/21/tracy-knauss-asteroid/

Timestamps

0:00 Intro
0:54 Tracy's Asteroid
4:09 What do the label numbers mean?
8:05 Who can find asteroids? 
13:47 More about Tracy's asteroid 
18:58 Has the George Observatory found asteroids?
20:34 Addressing light pollution
25:29 Venus is cool
27:28 Do you need expensive equipment for viewing/astrophotography?
35:14 Sometimes you don't need anything at all
36:57 History of 36-inch scope & George Observatory
41:23 Importance of optics
44:50 More 36-inch scope facts

Kat Havens joins the podcast in our beautiful Hall of Ancient Egypt to discuss the, well, gutwrenching process of mummification!

Website: https://www.hmns.org/

eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.org

The smell of a mummy: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mummies-from-ancient-egypt-smell-surprisingly-nice-scientists-say/

(00:00:00) Fennec Foxes & How We Care for Our Animals
(00:22:08) In with the Foxes

Our new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about Fennec Foxes specifically, and the blood, sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into caring for the animals in our museum.

Website: https://www.hmns.org/

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/Blm8WukRZHI

0:00 Outside Exhibit
22:10 Inside with the Foxes

Giant Ground Sloths and Giant Armadillos (Eremotherium and Glyptodon) were seemingly too big to fail...yet time comes for us all. So, how did these Ice Age (Pleistocene) get SO big, and why did they go extinct?

Previous episode mentioned:

Fossil Preperation
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5762aSEEWuQeUVqJGIo6NK?si=2f6420a3c6ab4d19

Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org

While Ai is the current hype, even thinking about Quantum Computing can seem daunting, if not ominous...honestly. So here is a crash course in qubits to hopefully help ease us into an initial pursuit of understanding.

Deeper dive into Quantum Computers: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing

Email us! Podcasts@HMNS.org

Ai Episode: https://youtu.be/uWWFlbDl6BE?si=mfnSB580vY7HzDZu

Who is allowed to dig for fossils? What do you do with fossils that are found? Why don't I find fossils in my yard? Are fossils a hoax? Are fossils radioactive?

James Washington and "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger discuss some interesting dinosaur conspiracies and clear up some common misconceptions about fossils, dinosaurs, and more in this latest episode of the "HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast."

Podcasts@Hmns.org

HMNS Curator of Astronomy, Dr. Carolyn Sumners joins "Mental Curator" Johnny Hemberger to discuss the likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032, the upcoming lunar eclipse, the "planetary parade", our MA2 Mercury Capsule, and much more!

Show Notes:

1) Brumation definition: "a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) during winter or extended periods of low temperature."

2) India has a population over 1.4 billion.

3) M87 Video https://youtu.be/8Iw4iYR28Mg?si=cNawxEn4H0GXwkeo

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
2:11 Asteroid 2024 YR4, Comets, Extinction, Etc.
12:43 Planetary Alignment ("Parade")
13:34 Lunar Eclipse, Astrophotography, Etc.
19:55 MA2 Mercury Capsule, Planetarium, Solar System Formation, Etc.
28:18 Black Holes, Light Pollution, Etc.

Email: Podcasts@HMNS.org
#science #astronomy #physics

Rhodochrosite is one of the most breathtaking minerals on Earth, and among connoisseurs, the "Alma Queen" is the most heart-stopping example of ANY mineral specimen yet known to human kind. Let's learn more about rhodochrosite, and the history of the "Alma Queen" proudly displayed in our collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/ATo93ojm-zY

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

In this episode of the HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast, we discuss and show you how a fossil comes out of the actual dirt to be prepared and displayed in such a breathtaking manor.

Video version
https://youtu.be/hm8wk950Exs

0:00 Intro
0:32 Fossil Gar Prep
7:12 Skin & Feathers, Frigate Bird
14:10 Fossil prep in the field
19:28 Race against time
25:36 Fossilization is rare

Unfortunately, a lot of us have suffered through the agony of disease either in ourlselves, in those we care about, or in our beloved pets. Yet, in a meaningul way, it is this suffering that can make extinct creatures, like dinosaurs, become as real to us today as the air we breathe. Take our Gorgosaurus for example...

Cancer in Centrosaurus
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30171-6/abstract

Video Version

Related Video
https://youtu.be/cf67TsmXlNY?si=p_MWWvruS-_INF6L

dinosaurdinosaursdisease

Is it scientifically feasible to hypothesize about the behaviors and habits of extinct animals based on the behaviors of modern animals? I sit down with our Paleontology Lab Manager, Collin Diggins (and special guest) to discuss just that!

Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org

https://www.hmns.org/podcast/

Interesting article on Triceratops' feet https://www.heathercaprette.info/ac753_SP03/week_two_p1.html

Thousands, millions, or even billions of years...scientists throw out some mind-boggling numbers when it comes to the ages of, well, everything. So, how exactly do they arrive at such seemingly difficult...dare I say "unbelievable"...estimates?

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

https://www.hmns.org/podcast/

Plasma Balls! We've all played with them. A lot of us have them somewhere in our home. But who invented them? When were they invented? And how do they work?

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

HMNS Sugar Land
https://sugarland.hmns.org/

HMNS Hermann Park
https://www.hmns.org/

Dinosaur fossil hunting in the wild west Badlands of Wyoming, USA. Come along as we bask in the enormity of an infinitely breathtaking landscape...and bring our nose down to the very dirt in the nursery of eons. From the triumph of discovery, to the poignance of humanity... come experience what is truly in our bones. https://www.hmns.org/

Enjoy the video version here https://youtu.be/IIsF0CCpVE8?si=ElqW1nyMBQs47_xd

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

Conus bandanus is the exact species of cone snail that nearly killed Tina. Commonly referred to as the Banded Marble Cone.

Here's Tina's near-death encounter with the deadly cone snail...and of course more fascinating marine biology convo! https://www.hmns.org/

Email us: Podcasts@hmns.org

Yes, a Stegosaurus' tail spikes are actually called the "Thagomizer", and here's the actual who-what-when-where...and most importantly...WHY! :D

https://www.hmns.org/

podcasts@hmns.org

Also subscribe to our flagship podcsst, HMNS Beyond Bones, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Triceratops feather/quill video mentioned
https://youtu.be/kEmnVd0KHx0

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation sure to shatter your expectations on glass collecting.

Event Chair and Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), Ferdinand Meyer V, joins host Johnny Hemberger in an absolutely spellbinding conversation about glass collecting and the American Antique Glass Masterpieces.

On radiant display during FOHBC 2024, the Houston National Antique Bottle and Glass Expo takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the neighboring Hotel ZaZa; an experience sure to be remembered for generations.

The glittering events and exhibition take place from August 1st-4th, 2024.

FOHBC.org
https://www.fohbc.org/

Convention and Expo Information
https://www.fohbc.org/2024/02/2024-houston-national-antique-bottle-glass-convention-expo/

Ferdinand Meyer V's Website, Peachridge Glass
https://www.peachridgeglass.com/

T. Rex is arguably the most iconic dinosaur ambassador in pop culture, but there are some things that most people might not know! Let's sniff out the truth....

Check out "T.REX" on the giant screen! https://www.hmns.org/films/t-rex/