Short Wave Light Show! The Science Behind The Orionid Meteor Shower
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Oct 20, 2023 Prepare for a cosmic spectacle as the peak of the Orionid meteor shower approaches! This dazzling event features meteors racing through the sky at an astonishing 66 km/s. Learn about their origins from Halley's Comet and gather tips for the best viewing experience. The podcast also highlights the fascinating navigation skills of wandering albatrosses, showcasing their unique methods of finding their way using infrasound. Dive into the joy of science and celestial wonders!
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Albatross Navigation
- Albatrosses navigate vast oceans using multiple cues like smell, Earth's magnetic field, and potentially infrasound.
- Researchers believe they fly towards infrasound produced by colliding waves, indicating windy areas ideal for soaring.
Infrasound
- Infrasound, a low-frequency sound inaudible to humans, is generated by colliding ocean waves.
- Animals like elephants and whales use infrasound for communication, but its role in navigation is less explored.
Ancient Symbiosis
- A 480-million-year-old fossil reveals a cephalopod shell covered with fossilized tubeworm homes.
- This "frozen behavior" shows a symbiotic relationship between species and a survival strategy that has persisted through mass extinctions.