“More Than Meets the Eye” Introduces Smithsonian Visitors to Specimens Up Close

The National Museum of Natural History’s exhibition, “More Than Meets the Eye,” highlights how scientists at the museum rely on special tools and skills to examine the world’s diversity of life and culture up close and in great detail. With more than 80 images, the exhibition explores how ideas about imaging and its uses have evolved over the past century into a powerful form of visual evidence used to enhance research. “More than Meets the Eye” will be on display through Nov. 4, 2012.

Biologists, geologists and anthropologists look and listen for patterns and specific details with specialized tools. They use scanning electron microscopes and 3-D lasers to magnify the very tiny specimens; X-rays and CT scanners reveal what is inside objects from mummies to meteorites. Video and stop-action photography track movement and change over time. Even cornstarch and colorful dye have become part of the scientific tool box. “‘More ‘Than Meets the Eye’ shows how persistent, innovative and resourceful scientists at Natural History have been and continue to be in their pursuit of knowledge and better understanding of our collections,” said Barbara Stauffer, chief of Temporary Exhibitions.

This exhibition is made possible through the support of the Windland Smith Rice Nature’s Best Photography fund. To learn more about it, visit http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, located on 10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C., welcomes more than 6 million visitors annually. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information about the museum, visit it at www.mnhi.si.edu and on Facebook, Twitter (hash tag #nmnh), YouTube and Flickr or call (202) 633-1000, TTY (202) 633-5286.

Suggested tweet: See “More Than Meets the Eye,” @NMNH - an exhibition about advancing image techniques + their value to scientific research. #nmnh

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