Science fiction heroes aren't usually humanities professors, but Arrival (2016) is the exception to that rule. Amy Adams stars as Dr. Louise Banks, who may be the only person on Earth who can figure out what a pair of mysterious aliens are trying to say.

Today on AirSpace, Matt and Emily discuss the film, its source material (Ted Chiang's novella Story of Your Life), linguistics, non-linear time, extraterrestrials, explosions, geopolitical tension, oat milk, and other mysteries of the universe.

The transcript for this episode is at s.si.edu/airspaces11e4

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at s.si.edu/airspacenewsletter.

AirSpace is made possible with the generous support of Lockheed Martin.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how we wonder . . . well, where to even begin? How do stars form from gas and dust? Why do some stars go supernova? And what the heck is the "main sequence?"

We brought in one of the Museum's astronomy educators for a stellar conversation about the birth, life, and death of stars. There's plenty to learn, and even more to wonder about, today on AirSpace.

Thanks to our guest in this episode:

• Shauna Edson, Astronomy Educator, National Air and Space Museum

The transcript for this episode is at s.si.edu/airspaces11e3.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at s.si.edu/airspacenewsletter.

AirSpace is made possible with the generous support of Lockheed Martin.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your checked bag once you've handed it over to the airline? Us too! We took a field trip to Dulles Airport to visit our friends at United Airlines and find out. Today on AirSpace, follow a suitcase on its journey from check-in through TSA, airline sorting, handling on the aircraft, and back to you on the baggage carousel.

Thanks to our guest in this episode:

• Jim Decker, Director of Ramp Operations for United Airlines at Dulles International Airport

The transcript for this episode is at s.si.edu/airspaces11e2

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at s.si.edu/airspacenewsletter.

AirSpace is made possible with the generous support of Lockheed Martin.