Unexplainable

Nicole Yamase, a pioneering marine biologist from Micronesia, and Victor Vescovo, leader of deep-sea expeditions, dive into the mysteries of the Challenger Deep, the ocean's deepest point. They share thrilling details of their groundbreaking journey and the emotional challenges they faced exploring such uncharted territory. The duo highlights the importance of mapping the ocean floor, revealing how this knowledge transforms our understanding of climate and geology. Their insights into ocean exploration emphasize its vital role in environmental consciousness.

8 minutes, 24 seconds. That’s the average amount of warning time people get before a tornado touches down. To do better, and to understand tornadoes, scientists need to confront more of these storms, head on.For a clean version of this episode and more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more about the topics on our show.Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.comWe read every email.Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Resnick, a science reporter with a knack for engaging storytelling, joins the discussion about the quirky yet profound topic of lunar waste. They reveal how human fecal matter left on the moon might unlock secrets about life's origins and resilience in the cosmos. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they connect these remnants to cultural creation myths, showcasing how societies from the Fon to the Aztecs revered excrement in their narratives. This blend of biology and mythology challenges conventional views and keeps listeners entertained.

An accidental discovery on a nighttime walk led one scientist and his team to wonder: How many mammals glow under ultraviolet light? The list keeps growing, but scientists still aren’t sure why these furry creatures glow.For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more about the topics on our show.Email us at unexplainable@vox.com. We read every email!Also, we are conducting an audience survey to better serve you. It takes about five minutes, and it really helps out the show. Please take our survey here: vox.com/surveySupport Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast explores how Henrietta Leavitt's discovery revolutionized astronomers' understanding of the universe, from measuring star distances to the universe's impending end. It highlights the enigmatic life of Leavitt and the role of women in early astronomy, leading to revelations about the universe's expansion and dark energy.

As part of a massive new global tracking project, scientists are monitoring animals from a receiver on the International Space Station, mapping the incredible, previously unknown journeys that animals undertake. They’re beginning to tackle questions like how far do animals actually move? And how in the world do they know where they’re going? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These worms are fast, they’re mysterious, and they’re quickly changing North American ecosystems. How worried should we be about global worming?For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more about the topics on our show.Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.comWe read every email.Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How tall is the world’s tallest mountain? The answer is surprisingly tricky, which means that Everest’s official height is constantly changing. In fact, depending on the type of measurement scientists use, Everest may not be the tallest mountain in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFOs are real, but that doesn’t mean they’re aliens. Today, Explained, Vox's daily news podcast, tells the story of America's longstanding relationship with UFOs and what we might learn from an upcoming government report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Something strange is going on at the outer reaches of the solar system. One astronomer thinks it might be a Neptune-sized ninth planet, and he’s on a quest to find it.That search is happening at an enormous telescope on the summit of Maunakea, a dormant Hawaiian volcano with a long astronomical and cultural history. But many Native Hawaiian scientists are asking: What’s lost in the pursuit of larger and larger telescopes?For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more about the topics on our show.Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.comWe read every email.Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices