Scientists observing the exoplanet WASP-107b with the James Webb Space Telescope say that the planet has clouds of sand high in its atmosphere. The scientists detected water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and silicate sand clouds in the atmosphere of the planet, which is about the mass of Neptune but the size of Jupiter—stats that caused astronomers to describe it as “fluffy.” Science journalist Swapna Krishna joins guest host Flora Lichtman for a look at the planet.
They also discuss the tense seismic situation on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. Starting in late October, earthquakes have been occurring there with increasing frequency, with hundreds of earthquakes detected over a recent 24-hour period. The quakes are due to underground magma flowing into the area and straining the earth’s crust. Measurements have also spotted an increasing concentration of sulfur dioxide gas in the area—which could point to an impending volcanic eruption. The Icelandic Meteorological Office said that there was significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days.
Flora and Swapna also discuss other stories from the week in science, including a growing discrepancy in life expectancy between US men and women, a 3D printed robot hand with working tendons, efforts to control the spread of a drug lord’s escaped hippos in Colombia, and the tale of a tool bag—lost in space.
To stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters. Transcripts for each segment will be available the week after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.
Experiencing Pain, Grief and the Cosmos, Ivory-Billed Controversy. May 26, 2023, Part 2
Weight and Health Myths, A Corvid Invasion. May 19, 2023, Part 1
The B Broadcast: Bees, Beans, Bears, and Butterflies. May 19, 2023, Part 2
Star Trek Science, Listening to Pando. May 12, 2023, Part 2
US COVID Health Emergency Ends. May 12, 2023, Part 1
Antibiotic Resistance, Space Launches and the Environment, Phage Therapy. May 5, 2023, Part 2
Why Rats Love Cities, Science Of Saliva And Taste. May 5, 2023, Part 1
Personifying AI, The Reading Brain, Environmental Sampling Via Bees. April 28, 2023, Part 2
History And Science Of Chickens, Climate Activism, Pipeline Movie. April 28, 2023, Part 1
Introducing Our New Podcast: Universe Of Art
Anesthesia 101, Carbon-Sequestering Poplars, Period Book. April 21, 2023, Part 1
The Myth of the Alpha Wolf, Cherokee Nation Seed Banks, History of Gender Affirming Care. April 21, 2023, Part 2
‘Possibility Of Life’ Book, PFAS Sewage, ‘Smart’ Play. April 14, 2023, Part 2
EV Proposal, Lactose Intolerance. April 14, 2023, Part 1
Artemis II Astronauts, AI Research Pause, Terra Nil Video Game. April 7, 2023, Part 2
Plants Make Sounds, Frog Science, COVID Vaccine Update. April 7, 2023, Part 1
Mapping An Insect Brain, Climate Education, Audubon Name, Wastewater Methane. March 31, 2023, Part 2
Early Spring, Mumps On The Rise, Gulf Of Maine, Supermassive Black Hole. March 31, 2023, Part 1
New NASA Science Head, Climate and Fungus, Whiskey Fungus, Animal Testing Alternatives. March 24, 2023, Part 2
March Mammal Madness, Underwater Volcano, Listening to Space. March 24th, 2023, Part 1
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Greece Travel Secrets Podcast
That Park Life: a Disney World Podcast
Ghostlore of Hawaii: Paranormal Paradise
Stuff You Should Know
Timcast IRL