The Times They Are a-Changin'

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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.

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INSIGHT

Ancient Coral Calendars

Ancient corals and other shelled creatures record daily and yearly growth patterns.
These patterns reveal that Earth days were shorter and years longer millions of years ago.

INSIGHT

The Moon's Influence on Earth's Rotation

The Earth's rotation has slowed over millions of years due to gravitational interaction with the moon.
This 'celestial waltz' has lengthened Earth's days and decreased the number of days in a year.

ANECDOTE

Running on Venus

Robert Kralwich and Neil deGrasse Tyson discuss how running on Venus could alter one's perception of time.
Due to Venus' slow rotation, a fast runner could theoretically reverse the apparent motion of the sun.

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This episode first aired back in December of 2013, and at the start of that new year, the team was cracking open fossils, peering back into ancient seas, and looking up at lunar skies only to find that a year is not quite as fixed as we thought it was.

With the help of paleontologist Neil Shubin, reporter Emily Graslie and the Field Museum's Paul Mayer we discover that our world is full of ancient coral calendars. Each one of these sea skeletons reveals that once upon a very-long-time-ago, years were shorter by over forty days. And astrophysicist Chis Impey helps us comprehend how the change is all to be blamed on a celestial slow dance with the moon.

Plus, Robert indulges his curiosity about stopping time and counteracting the spinning of the spheres by taking astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson on a (theoretical) trip to Venus with a rooster and sprinter Usain Bolt.

We have some exciting news! In the “Zoozve” episode, Radiolab named its first-ever quasi-moon, and now it's your turn! Radiolab has teamed up with The International Astronomical Union to launch a global naming contest for one of Earth’s quasi-moons. This is your chance to make your mark on the heavens. Submit your name ideas now through September, or vote on your favorites starting in November: https://radiolab.org/moon

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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.