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    Freaky Eclipse Rituals, Cosmic Serendipity, Solar Mysteries

    en-usMarch 27, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the exceptional comfort of Honeylove bras and the importance of therapy, as well as the awe-inspiring eclipse.Honeylove bras offer unparalleled comfort, therapy can help navigate life's challenges, and the eclipse is a natural wonder that unites us.

      There are small pleasures in life that we may take for granted, like the feeling of taking off a bra after a long day. But for those considering buying a new bra from Honeylove, they might never experience that relief again due to the exceptional comfort of their bras. On a different note, figuring out what truly matters in life can be a challenging process. Therapy, as offered by BetterHelp, can help individuals navigate major traumas and everyday annoyances. And finally, the eclipse, a natural phenomenon, is a strange and fascinating occurrence that can bring people together. In this week's episode of "Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week," the hosts from Popular Science and Scientific American discussed these topics and more. They also shared their excitement about upcoming changes, including Clara Moskowitz's new role hosting "Science Quickly" three times a week. Listeners are encouraged to check out the nerdfighters subreddit and reach out to the show with suggestions for potential guests.

    • Exploring the Fascination and Significance of Solar EclipsesThe upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is the last one visible from most of North America until the 2040s. Witness this natural phenomenon by planning a trip to the path of totality, possibly through camping.

      Eclipses have fascinated and sometimes frightened humans throughout history. From the oldest known visual representation of a solar eclipse at the Loughcrew Cairns in Ireland, dating back to around 3310 BC, to modern reactions, eclipses have been a source of wonder and concern. John and Hank Green, hosts of the Crash Course Science channel, are invited to discuss this topic further on a podcast. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is the last one that will be visible from most of North America until the 2040s. Listeners are encouraged to plan a trip to the path of totality to witness this natural phenomenon. However, accommodations may be scarce, and camping may be the best option. Eclipses have been interpreted in various ways throughout history, from religious significance to scientific curiosity. The sun's behavior during an eclipse is deeply weird and profound, and understanding it can provide a unique perspective on our universe.

    • Ancient stone figures may represent solar eclipsesAncient symbols, such as overlapping circles, might symbolize solar eclipses, but definitive evidence is lacking. Some scientists suggest matches between site ages and eclipse dates, but consensus is not reached.

      Ancient stone figures, such as those found at a site in Ireland, may represent astrological phenomena, specifically solar eclipses. While some symbols, like overlapping concentric circles, can be interpreted as solar eclipses, the evidence is not definitive. Archaeoastronomer Paul Griffin found a potential match between the age of the site and the date of a solar eclipse that occurred around 3340 BC. However, not all scientists agree with this interpretation, and there is a lack of written records to confirm it. Some ancient cultures, like the Inca, are known to have practiced human sacrifice during solar eclipses, suggesting the significance of these celestial events. Other instances of possible eclipse recordings have been found in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, around 10/97 and in the 13th century, which coincided with mass exodus of peoples from the region. Chinese scribes in 1200 BC recorded solar eclipses on tortoise shells and ox bones, expressing fear and awe at the sun's disappearance. Overall, the interpretation of ancient symbols and their connection to solar eclipses remains a topic of ongoing debate among scientists and researchers.

    • Ancient myths explained solar eclipsesAncient civilizations used mythological stories to explain solar eclipses, evoking feelings of fear and uncertainty, and serving as a way to cope with the unexplained.

      Throughout history, different cultures have explained natural phenomena, such as solar eclipses, through mythological stories. These stories often involve a solar deity being consumed by a dragon or other mythical creature, only to reappear shortly after. This belief likely stems from the sudden and terrifying experience of witnessing a solar eclipse, which can evoke feelings of existential terror and uncertainty. These myths served as a way for ancient civilizations to make sense of the unexplained and to cope with the fear and uncertainty that came with such a phenomenon. Despite advancements in scientific knowledge, these myths continue to fascinate us and show the power of storytelling in explaining the world around us.

    • Throughout history, cultures explained solar eclipses through stories and beliefsHistorically, solar eclipses were explained through stories and beliefs reflecting various cultures' values and emotions. Some saw sun and moon as fighting or making up, while others saw them as signs of divine intervention or peace.

      Throughout history, various cultures have explained solar eclipses through fascinating stories and beliefs, often reflecting their values and emotions. For some, the sun and moon were fighting or making up, while for others, eclipses were a sign of divine intervention or a call for peace. Ancient civilizations, such as the Maya and Aztecs, even developed a surprising level of understanding of eclipses through mathematics. Despite the advancement of scientific knowledge, the awe and mystery surrounding solar eclipses have remained constant throughout history. Today, we can predict and explain eclipses, but they continue to inspire wonder and fascination.

    • Discovering Comfortable Solutions and Natural WondersTry Honeylove's supportive, underwire-free bras, Factor's quick, healthy meals, and Angie's local home services for daily convenience and natural fascination. Use the given discount codes for special offers.

      There are alternative options for uncomfortable bras and unhealthy eating habits. The Honeylove crossover bra offers support without underwire discomfort and features breathable, sexy mesh panels. Factor's ready-to-eat meals provide fresh, dietitian-approved options that can be heated and eaten in just 2 minutes. Additionally, Angie simplifies home projects by connecting users with skilled local pros, and the sun's corona, a superheated plasma surrounding the sun, is a fascinating astronomical phenomenon. These discoveries offer solutions to everyday inconveniences and intrigue in the natural world. Treat yourself to Honeylove's comfortable bras, Factor's nutritious meals, and Angie's home services using the provided discount codes.

    • Observing the Sun's Corona: A Fundamental MysteryThe sun's corona is incredibly hot due to particle movement, but scientists are still puzzled over how energy transfers from the sun's core to its corona. Solar and stellar eclipses offer insights, but a definitive answer remains elusive. Understanding this could lead to advancements in astrophysics.

      The sun's corona, despite being less dense and not as hot to touch as its surface, is incredibly hot due to the fast movement of its particles. However, scientists are still puzzled over how energy transfers from the sun's core to its corona, making it a fundamental mystery. Solar eclipses provide the best opportunity to observe the corona and test theories, but a definitive answer remains elusive. Additionally, stellar eclipses, or planet transits across other stars, are crucial for discovering planets and even signs of life beyond our solar system. Despite its inherent coolness, understanding this phenomenon could lead to significant advancements in astrophysics.

    • Exploring the Universe through TransitsTransits offer insights into exoplanets' atmospheres and the potential for discovering life beyond Earth, making them a fascinating area of study. Tools like the James Webb Space Telescope and past missions like Kepler contribute to this exploration.

      The study of transits, or the passing of a planet in front of its star, has led to exciting discoveries about exoplanets and their potential atmospheres. Scientists can observe the slight dip in starlight caused by a planet's atmosphere and identify gases and chemistry. Meanwhile, anything along the ecliptic plane from far away might be observing Earth as it transits, making us a tiny dot in the universe. This perspective is both humbling and fascinating. During the discussion, the speaker shared their enthusiasm for the James Webb Space Telescope and other facilities that can closely observe transits. They also reminisced about the Kepler mission, which churned out numerous planet discoveries. The speaker's imagination ran wild with the idea of extraterrestrial beings observing Earth and its inhabitants. Transits provide valuable insights into the universe, and the potential for discovering life beyond Earth adds to the excitement. If you're interested in learning more, consider checking out resources like BetterHelp for personal growth or Babbel for language learning, both of which were mentioned during the show. BetterHelp offers online therapy to help you figure out what matters most in life, while Babbel provides quick, effective language lessons to help you communicate with people from all over the world.

    • The Rare Alignment of Moon and Sun during a Total Solar EclipseThe alignment of the moon and sun during a total solar eclipse is a rare cosmic coincidence, enabled by the moon's current size and position, offering scientific opportunities and a spectacular view.

      The occurrence of a total solar eclipse, which we will witness on April 8th, is a rare and fascinating cosmic coincidence. The alignment of the moon and sun appearing the same size on Earth's sky is not guaranteed and requires specific conditions. Our moon is larger than most other moons in the solar system, and its current size and position enable us to experience total solar eclipses. This event not only provides an amazing spectacle but also offers scientific opportunities to learn about the sun's atmosphere. However, this alignment is temporary. In the future, the moon will drift away from Earth, making total solar eclipses impossible to observe. Conversely, in the past, the moon was closer to Earth, but the eclipses were not as impressive due to the moon being too large and blocking the corona. This orbital mismatch makes total solar eclipses a rare and special event.

    • Observing a Solar Eclipse: A Rare Sensory Experience with Safety PrecautionsSolar eclipses are rare astronomical events, requiring safety measures like eclipse glasses or contraptions to observe. They bring changes in temperature, color perception, and animal behavior, but never look directly during a partial eclipse.

      Experiencing a solar eclipse is a rare and rich sensory event, but it's crucial to take proper safety measures. The alignment of various astronomical factors makes eclipses uncommon and often hard to see from populated areas. To safely view an eclipse, use specialized eclipse glasses or make a contraption to observe the shadow. The experience includes changes in temperature, color perception, and animal behavior. Remember, never look directly at the sun during an eclipse, even during a partial eclipse. Only during the totality, when the sun is completely obscured by the moon, is it safe to view with the naked eye. So, make sure to prioritize safety while enjoying this unique astronomical phenomenon.

    • Find home services with Angie, learn languages with BabbelAngie simplifies home project hiring, Babbel offers effective language learning with a money-back guarantee

      Angie and Babbel are two valuable resources to make your life easier in different ways. Angie, with her extensive home service experience and innovative tools, simplifies the process of finding and hiring skilled professionals for various home projects. Whether it's a small repair or a big dream project, Angie can help you connect with the right local pro and manage the process from start to finish. On the other hand, Babbel offers an effective solution for learning a new language through accessible tips, tools, and 14 award-winning language courses. Even with a busy schedule, you can still make progress towards learning a new language with Babbel, and they offer a 20-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind. So, whether you're looking to maintain your home or expand your language skills, consider giving Angie and Babbel a try. For more information, visit angie.com or babel.com/weirdest, and don't forget to take advantage of the special listener deals: 55% off your Babbel subscription at babel.com/weirdest.

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    A further 1,284 more exoplanets have been confirmed by NASA's Kepler mission. This puts the total number confirmed planets outside our solar system to 3,268!

    Does the increase in small earthquakes below Mount St. Helens signify an imminent eruption? Not quite, but that hasn't stopped the media from panicking.

    For a long time, climate change scientists have been warning that as sea levels rise, some countries could be lost underwater. This week, new research shows that at least five reef islands in the Solomon Islands have been lost completely to sea-level rise.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a boat sitting above the Marianas Trench, and it's live-streaming video from a remotely operated vehicle. One of the many amazing finds they've looked at is a beautiful jellyfish with brightly coloured gonads!

     

    This episode contains traces of John Oliver ranting about bad media reporting of science.