Radiolab
The Times They Are a-Changin'
Sep 13, 2024
Explore the fascinating relationship between time and nature as paleontologist Neil Shubin reveals how ancient coral calendars show years used to be shorter. Discover the celestial dance between Earth and the Moon that affects our perception of time. Laugh along as astrophysicists discuss the whimsical idea of sprinting on Venus with Usain Bolt and a rooster. Delve into how changes in speed and planetary conditions impact our daily rhythms, all while reflecting on humanity's ever-evolving connection to our environment.
24:54
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Quick takeaways
- Corals act as ancient timekeepers, revealing that the number of days in a year has significantly decreased from over 400 to 365.
- The gravitational pull of the Moon not only influences Earth's rotation but also challenges our fundamental understanding of time's passage and perception.
Deep dives
Discovering Time Through Coral
Corals serve as biological markers of time, showing how environmental changes have influenced their growth patterns over millions of years. A significant discovery by paleontologist Professor John Wells revealed that the growth rings in coral shells could represent daily cycles, with evidence suggesting that ancient corals recorded around 400 days in a year. This pattern was corroborated across various marine species, indicating a historical trend where the number of days in a year has decreased from over 400 to the current 365. The findings prompt a reevaluation of how we perceive time and its passage, showing that the natural world reflects temporal changes on a fundamental level.
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