logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2020
7 m

Colors

WNYC
About this episode

To what extent is color a physical thing in the physical world, and to what extent is it created in our minds? We start with Sir Isaac Newton, who was so eager to solve this very mystery, he stuck a knife in his eye to pinpoint the answer. Then, we meet a sea creature that sees a rainbow way beyond anything humans can experience, and we track down a woman who we're pretty sure can see thousands (maybe even millions) more colors than the rest of us. And we end with an age-old question, that, it turns out, never even occurred to most humans until very recently: why is the sky blue?

---

We're cooking up something new and looking to get your feedback. Join our Radiolab for Kids listener panel by taking this 5 minute survey (https://airtable.com/shrjoLpn13qCHlXh0). We're listening and want to create more awesome stories for you and your families!

Radiolab’s newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and other fun ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!

Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support our show by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.

Follow our show on InstagramTwitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.

Up next
Yesterday
The Horseshoe Crab's Secret
We’re back with an episode from the Radiolab archive. Horseshoe crabs have been around for a long time. They outlived the dinosaurs, survived all mass extinctions and witnessed the sprouting of the Earth’s first trees. The secret to their longevity? Their baby blue blood. Which h ... Show More
27m 41s
Jul 24
Crabtacular! A deep dive into the Hudson River
Today, we splash into the Hudson River Park with our Songbud to meet all kinds of crabs. With Siddartha and Carrie from the Hudson River Park, Alan puts on waterproof rubber overalls, gets his hands dirty in the river and dives into the secret lives of Hudson crabs.Plus, CRAB WEE ... Show More
14m 46s
Jul 3
CHOWDA: A Souper Fascinating Tale
Today we’re bringing you a live episode we taped in Boston. It’s about clam chowder. We’re sharing it now because we’re doing ANOTHER LIVE SHOW at Little Island in NYC on August 6th + 7th - and that one’s about PIZZA! The show’s free. There will be pizza. Join if you’re in NYC (o ... Show More
29m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
How many colors can we see?
It’s a colorful world out there! When light from the sun hits surfaces on Earth, those surfaces reflect different wavelengths of light. Our eyes collect those waves and send them to our brains, which interpret the waves as colors! It’s an incredible process, and it happens in…wel ... Show More
5m 4s
Dec 2021
Little Kids: Why Everyone Loves Bluey
Welcome to This Glorious Mess Little Kids. A twice-weekly look at parenting as it really is - confusing, exhausting, inspiring, funny, and full of surprises. So many surprises! We love Bluey, and we know you do too.  For a show that our kids watch for days on end somehow it never ... Show More
21m 30s
Nov 2024
Is Your Child’s Whinnying Driving You Crazy?
EP:117 Hey there! 👋 In this episode, I’m diving into a topic I know so many of us can relate to: why certain noises—like our kids’ whining—feel SO triggering. I share my personal experience with my colicky, high-needs son, Charlie, and unpack the science behind why those infant ... Show More
23m 38s
Apr 2022
Guest Episode! Cool Facts About Animals
During our recent Ocean Adventure season, we talked about some very awesome and unique creatures and plants that live in the ocean. One thing that any animal lover (or anyone living on earth) needs to learn more about is how to stop plastic pollution. Plastic pollution not only h ... Show More
43m 53s
Feb 2021
Why Green Should Be Your Favorite Color
What's your favorite color? Have you ever been asked this question before? I'm sure you have because that's a kindergarten question. Today's episode is a short and quick one that might make you rethink your favorite color. You'll see what I mean in this episode.    Today, we disc ... Show More
39m 16s
May 14
Do you know why the sky is blue? ☀️🔵
In this episode of Sleep Tight Science, we take a colorful journey through the science of sunlight, scattering, and the atmosphere to find out why the sky looks blue during the day and red at sunrise and sunset. We’ll explore what light really is, how it behaves, and why the sky ... Show More
26m 26s
Oct 2024
How to Respond When Your Kids Say "I'm Bored"
"Mommy, I'm bored." How many times have you heard this? In this episode I share why kids say "I'm bored" and how to reframe it's meaning. I emphasize the importance to create a love of learning when we recognize the reason behind kids saying "I'm bored." We need to recognize if t ... Show More
12m 31s
Jan 2024
Episode 42: The Backrooms [ENCORE]
Have you ever heard of The Backrooms? Maybe you've come across this strange never-ending series of liminal spaces on TikTok or on YouTube or maybe some games that you've played. The Backrooms are one of our most frequently requested topics and we were curious to explore why their ... Show More
24m 27s
Aug 2024
Hearing the Stars
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from Season 8! This was voted on by our patrons on Patreon--if you want to help us pick our next AND FINAL REBROADCAST OF THE SUMMER--just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and vote. You don't have to be a supporter to vote, but ... Show More
26m 51s
Dec 2024
Do you know about snow? ❄️ (Encore)
In this episode, we will learn about snow, what it is made of and the different colours it can be. Did you know that snow could be in different colours? We will discuss the water cycle and how important snow is for the water supply in many places. We will look at The Science of S ... Show More
24m 46s