The Moon Itself

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Apr 5, 2024

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Join Molly Webster, a Senior correspondent for Radiolab, and Pat Walters, the Managing editor, as they explore the moon's captivating story, from its dramatic formation to its essential role in Earth's stability. Geophysicist Mika McKinnon dives into the chaotic consequences if the moon were to vanish—think tidal turmoil and wildlife disruption! They also tackle the emotional connection humans have with the moon, captivating listeners with its mysteries and significance in our lives. Plus, excitement builds for the impending solar eclipse!

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INSIGHT

Moon's Underrated Role

The moon plays a crucial role in solar eclipses, yet discussions often focus on the sun and Earth.
This oversight reflects a broader tendency to overlook the moon's significance.

INSIGHT

Moon's Origin

Common misconceptions about the moon's origin include capture by Earth's gravity and formation alongside Earth.
Scientists favor the giant-impact theory, where a Mars-sized object collided with early Earth.

ANECDOTE

Fission Theory

George Darwin, son of Charles Darwin, proposed the fission theory.
This theory suggests the moon spun off from a rapidly rotating early Earth, leaving the Pacific Ocean behind.

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There’s a total solar eclipse coming. On Monday, April 8, for a large swath of North America, the sun will disappear, in the middle of the day. Everywhere you look, people are talking about it. What will it feel like when the sun goes away? What will the blocked-out sun look like? But all this talk of the sun got us thinking: wait, what about the moon? The only reason this whole solar eclipse thing is happening is because the moon is stepping in front of the sun. So in today’s episode, we stop treating the moon like a bit player in this epic cosmic event, and place it centerstage. We get to know the moon, itself — from birth, to middle age, to … death.

This episode was reported by Molly Webster, Pat Walters, Becca Bressler, Alan Goffinski, Maria Paz Guttierez, Sarah Qari, Simon Adler and Alex Neason, and produced by Matt Kielty, Becca Bressler, Pat Walters, Maria Paz Guttierrez, Alan Goffinski and Simon Adler.

It was edited by Becca Bressler and Pat Walters. Fact-checked by Diane Kelly and Natalie A Middleton. Original Music and sound design by Matt Kielty, Jeremy Bloom, and Simon Adler. Mixing help from Arianne Wack.

Special thanks to Rebecca Boyle, Patrick Leverone and Daryl Pitts at the Maine Gem and Mineral Museum in Bethel Maine, Renee Weber, Paul M. Sutter, Matt Siegler, Sarah Noble, and Chucky P.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Reported by - Molly Webster, Pat Walters, Becca Bressler, Alan Goffinski, Maria Paz Guttierez, Sarah Qari, Simon Adler and Alex Neason
Produced by -Matt Kielty, Becca Bressler, Pat Walters, Maria Paz Guttierrez, Alan Goffinski and Simon Adler
Original music and sound design contributed by - Matt Kielty, Jeremy Bloom and Simon Adler
with mixing help from - Arianne Wack
Fact-checking by - Natalie Middleton and Diane Kelley
and Edited by - Pat Walters and Becca Bressler

EPISODE CITATIONS:

Books -
Rebecca Boyle’s book, Our Moon: How the Earth’s Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution and Made Us Who We Are.

PEOPLE IN NORTH AMERICA, HERE'S HOW TO RECYCLE YOUR USED ECLIPSE GLASSES (https://zpr.io/D6wB7dA4Sb3m)
*unless you want to hold onto them till the next one on August 23rd, 2044

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Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation Initiative, and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.