Technology & Innovation — April 7, 2014

Who Owns Outer Space?

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Humans have always been attracted to new frontiers, and not just for the adventure. Christopher Columbus stumbled on the New World while looking for another route to the Spice trade for Spain, since Portugal had control of the African route. Now outer space calls to adventurous capitalists. But who owns outer space?

Scientific American explores that question in this video:

The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.

Intricate 3D red maze with vertical walls, viewed from an angle, showing complex pathways and geometric design.

Smart Skills

You’re not lost. You’re just following someone else’s map.

Those who know who they are — and what they truly value — refuse to compromise their authentic direction to placate others.

In a black and white illustration, four cartoon characters stand among poppies, set against a fantasy world backdrop. Overlaid text delves into the 19th-century currency debate, highlighting the clash between "Silverites" and "Goldbugs," merging historical intrigue with imaginative charm.

High Culture

5 beloved fantasy novels based on real history

Many beloved fantasy adventures take place in worlds that bear a striking resemblance to our own.

a drawing of a man sitting on top of a chair.

The Past

Mansa Musa and the mythical African king who may (or may not) have sailed to the Americas

Mansa Musa, perhaps history’s richest man, claims he ascended the throne of Mali after his predecessor sailed west and never came back. Could he have made it to the New World?

a green map of china on a black background.

Sponsored

How China gained — and lost — its spot as the world’s wealthiest nation

The story of China is the story of global economics.

Strange Maps

How a “flying circus” gave us the first aerial maps of Earth

Thomas Baldwin’s Airopaidia (1786) includes the earliest sketches of the earth from a balloon.

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