The physics of launching into space -- and crashing back down
Humans are traveling farther into space than ever before. We look at the physics of launch – how to send something up and how it can come crashing back down.
Science
The invisible substance that structures our universe
The universe is so much bigger than what people can see. Visible matter — the ground, the Sun, the screen you're reading this on — makes up only about 4 or 5 percent of our known universe. Dark matter makes up much more of the universe. It's all around us even though we can't see it. So what is it? What's it made out of? How do we even know it exists? Host Emily Kwong and Rebecca Ramirez try to find out with the help of astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan.
This episode is part of our series Space Camp, all about the weird and mysterious depths of our universe. Check out the full series: https://www.npr.org/spacecamp.
Our team would love to hear your episode ideas. Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
This episode is part of our series Space Camp, all about the weird and mysterious depths of our universe. Check out the full series: https://www.npr.org/spacecamp.
Our team would love to hear your episode ideas. Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
16 years of Bat-a-thon: Researchers met in Belize for various research on bats
Dozens of bat researchers descend upon a tropical preserve in Belize, home to a diverse population of bats. Each scientist hopes to net the specific breed of bat they need to do their research.
Mosquitos kill more people than any other creature, the CDC warns
The CDC considers mosquitoes to be the most dangerous animals on earth because of infectious disease transmission. They spread diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
Researcher use new statistical tools on previous data about attractiveness
A new study finds that people tend to partner up with people of similar attractiveness.
Cats on leashes ... yes, it's a thing
For some cats, leashed walks "can certainly create environmental enrichment, get them some more exercise," says veterinarian Grace Cater. Other cats? Not so much.
Sharks often get a bad rap, but oceans need them
It's that time of the year again: Shark Week. The TV program is so long-running that if you're under 37, you've never known a life without it. In honor of this oft misunderstood critter, we revisit our conversation with shark scientist Melissa Christina Marquez. She explains just how important sharks are to keeping the oceans healthy, including their role in mitigating climate change. Plus, there may be some talk about shark poop.
Have another animal with a bad rap you want us to clear the reputation of? Email the show at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you!
Have another animal with a bad rap you want us to clear the reputation of? Email the show at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you!
Volunteers who lived in a NASA-created Mars replica for over a year have emerged
The four crew members entered the 3D-printed Mars replica on June 25, 2023, as part of a NASA experiment to observe how humans would fare living on the Red Planet.
Amid the Starliner delay, a former astronaut discusses being stuck in space
NPR's Adrian Florido speaks with retired astronaut Terry Virts about what the Boeing Starliner astronauts might going through being in space longer than they thought they would be.
Back-to-back shark attacks leave 4 people injured in Texas and Florida
An abnormally high number of people were bitten by sharks in coastal waters over the span of a day that began on July 4. Upticks in shark attacks alone are not cause for concern, an expert says.