For other senses of this word, see icon (disambiguation). For a list of icons for use on Wikipedia, see Icons.

An icon (from Greek , eikon, "image") is an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it, or by analogy, as in semiotics; in computers an icon is a symbol on the monitor used to signify a command; by extension, icon is also used, particularly in modern popular culture, in the general sense of symbol — i.e. a name, face, picture or even a person readily recognized as having some well-known significance or embodying certain qualities.

In Eastern Orthodoxy and other icon-painting Christian traditions, the icon is generally a flat panel painting depicting a holy being or object such as Jesus, Mary, saints, angels, or the cross. Icons may also be cast in metal, carved in stone, embroidered on cloth, done in mosaic work, printed on paper or metal, etc.

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Library of Congress: What's New in Science Reference

Updated Science Reference Guide: The Nature & Science of Autumn
A guide to selected resources on the nature and science of autumn.
New Science Reference Guide: Migration of the Monarchs
There are two main populations of monarch butterflies in North America; one in the East and one in the West--new evidence shows that these populations may intermix. Every fall, the monarch begins its migration south to an overwintering site. In the spring the monarch leaves its winter roost and heads northward, about half way back, to lay its eggs on milkweed plants. The offspring of this monarch must continue the journey north on its own. In the fall, this new generation will begin the migration cycle south. To learn more about these amazing creatures, this guide lists selected titles, journal articles and Web sites about monarch butterflies, conservation initiatives, and migration projects.
New Science Reference Guide: Space Based Ornithology
This reference guide highlights the literature on using remote sensing to study bird migration. This guide supplemented Dr. James A. Smith's lecture "Space-Based Ornithology: On the Wings of Migration and Biophysics" on September 10, 2008.
Upcoming event: Space-Based Ornithology to be Discussed By NASA Scientist
Dr. James Smith's talk will cover his development of tools that might help to answer questions on how drought, floods and changing climate affect bird migration, and how human alterations to wetland geography may affect migratory patterns. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m Mary Pickford Theater, third floor of the Madison Building, Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required. Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639 Public contact: Science, Technology and Business Division (202) 707-5664; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (301) 614-6627
New Science Reference Guide: Beer and Brewing
A guide of selected resources on the history and science of beer and brewing from the Library of Congress collections.
New Science Reference Guide: Aeronautics- A Selected Bibliography
A guide to books used in preparing Aeronautical and Astronautical Resources of the Library of Congress: A Comprehensive Guide. This guide was compiled to accompany a talk by Tom Crouch, senior curator of the Division of Aeronautics at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, on October 24, 2007, at the Library of Congress. His talk, "Aeronautics at the Library of Congress: Forty Years of One User's Expertise." celebrated the publication of a Library of Congress book, Aeronautical and Astronautical Resources of the Library of Congress: A Comprehensive Guide.

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