BBC Inside Science Answers to Your Science Questions
14 snips
May 15, 2025 
Join Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Mark Maslin, climate expert, and Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist, as they tackle burning science questions. Discover why planets are round and how geese communicate in flight. They also delve into climate change tipping points, emphasizing the urgency of international action to prevent catastrophic shifts, and unravel the mystery of why garden snails ascend buildings. Plus, find out why your laundry gets trapped in duvet covers, blending humor with science!
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Why Planets Are Round
- Gravity pulls matter toward the center during planet formation, making planets round.
- Spin causes planets like Saturn to bulge, so they're not perfect spheres.
How Trees Grow Rings
- Tree rings form due to seasonal growth cycles, with spring rings lighter and summer rings darker.
- Trees adjust growth rate over time, balancing wood production with reproduction needs.
Geese Honking Coordinates Flight
- Geese honk mainly to coordinate flying in V formation and share leadership duties.
- Honking helps maintain formation efficiency and fairness during energy-intensive flight.