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Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.
On December 1st, we are sharing our 250th episode of Wow in the World with all of you.
We think this one is going to be music to your ears.
Literally.
Did I mention it's a musical?
And if you're a member of the World Organization of Wowzers...
Oh boy, do I have a surprise for you.
You can listen to our 250th episode early with me and other members from around the world on Saturday, November 22nd, at 7 pm.
Eastern.
That's right, we are throwing another listening party.
Join us as we dance along to our new songs.
React to the episode with other members in the chat and more.
Grownups.
If you want your wowzer to join this members-only listening party, you can sign up to become a member today at Tinkercastcom.
Slash wow.
Already a member?
Well, you can find the link and password to join the event when you sign in at Tinkercastcom.
Slash wow.
That's it.
It's going to be a November to remember.
But for now, let's get on with the show.
Woo on the weekend.
We wow on the weekend because this is what we do on the weekend talking laughing, me and reggie singing laughing, and then we oh wait no, i said laughing twice uh whatever, we wow on the weekend.
We wow on the weekend.
We wow on the weekend because this is what we do.
Welcome to we wow on the weekend.
I'm your host dennis, and that's my co-host, reggie.
No, no time for chit chat reggie, we have a lot of things we have to get to today.
Well, have you heard of this thing called summer of wow, where mindy and guy roz present missions or scavenger hunts or whatever, and then wowsers call in to tell us their summer of wow memories?
Well, not anymore.
You haven't, because i'm a Actually revamping, redoing and renaming the Summer of Wow to be Hold on, I need a drumroll.
There we go.
The Summer of Dennis!
That's right!
As president of the World Organization of Wowzers, I noticed that there is a distinct lack of me in our membership kits.
So I've decided to add a little je ne sais Dennis to the mix.
Good question, Reggie.
How exactly will I be giving the people the Dennis they deserve?
Why, with brand new limited edition welcome kits.
If you sign up to become a member of the World Organization of Wowzers this month, aka August, aka Dennis Month, you'll receive a special welcome kit that I packed with my own two hands.
Yes, Reggie, I'm packing them right now.
I'm an excellent packer.
Oh, what's in the welcome kit, you ask?
Well, that brings us to our brand new segment called Limited Edition Welcome Kit Preparation Zone.
Ahem.
Limited edition, rare and wonderful VIP, uncommon and colorful.
Pack it up, ship it.
It's non-refundable.
Actually, I don't know what the terms and conditions are.
Yeah!
Okay, here we go.
First, I take one of these top secret envelopes and... Reggie!
Did you poop on all the envelopes?
Well, every single one of them has a little white splat on it.
Ew!
What do you mean it's how you certify authenticity?
Well, I think it's certifiably gross.
Do we have any clean ones?
No?
Okay, fine.
I guess these envelopes with a little pigeon poopy on them will have to do.
Okay, into the envelope will go a t-shirt.
Look, it's got all our names on it.
Yeah, it says Guy Raz and Mindy and Reggie and Dennis and Dennis and Dennis.
Well, my name's on it three times because I'm three times as loud as any of you.
Okay, into the envelope goes the T-shirt.
Next, we've got a button that says Static Man.
Yeah, it's awesome.
It's yellow and red and has the Static Man logo on it.
Reggie, no, I'm not Static Man.
No, I'm not.
It's just a coincidence that there's Static Man swag inside the limited edition Dennis VIP membership welcome kit.
Okay, button goes into the pigeon potty envelope.
And lastly, but bestly, is... shot of me, Dennis.
Yeah, I got my picture taken at the mall with a cool laser background.
Isn't it great?
What?
What do you mean, where would anyone put this?
It goes on a bedroom wall or the wall above the mantle or on the refrigerator door next to the artwork in the report cards.
Because, Reggie, Presidential portraits get hung in places of prominence.
No, you don't have a portrait because you're just the Secretary of the Treasury or something like that.
What?
You're not the Secretary anymore.
Well, then what's your title?
Prime Minister?
Reggie?
Well, then I'm Senior Prime Minister.
Well, then I'm Senior Executive Chief Magistrate.
Then I'm Senior Executive Supreme Emperor times infinity.
Oh, right, the welcome kit.
Just gonna get this presidential portrait put in here.
All right.
Attention!
Do you want to become a member of the World Organization of Wowsers?
Well, here's how.
Step one, be a grown-up.
If you're not a grown-up, Go find a grown-up.
I'll wait.
Bam, bam, bam.
Just gonna wait here.
Okay, did you find a grown-up?
Hi, grown-up!
Okay, grown-ups.
If you want to sign your Wowzer up for a membership to the World Organization of Wowzers, go to Tinkercastcom slash membership.
If you sign your Wowzer up before August 31st, 2024...
Your order will include my special Platinum Limited Edition Exclusive Dennis Welcome Kit!
Featuring my headshot, a Static Man button that has nothing to do with me and your pick for a members-only t-shirt.
But remember, you have to order it by August 31st, 2024!
Big hugs, Reggie!
If we don't cut it off, then it won't be Platinum Exclusive VIP Special Edition!
Plus, I can't keep signing all these headshots forever.
My hand's getting all crampy.
Okay, now it's time for a little segment I like to call... Inside Tinkercast Studios!
Inside Tinkercast Studios!
This is the part where we revisit an episode of one of my favorite Tinkercast shows.
And today we're listening to Wow in the World, Season 2, Episode 34, called An Aurora Named Steve.
Wait, Steve?
Well, I thought all auroras were named...
Boris.
Borealis.
Whatever.
Oh, you're right.
Let's just listen to the episode and find out.
Okay.
Here we go.
And play.
Wow in the World will be right back.
Grown-ups, this message is for you.
Hey, grown-ups.
It's Mindy and Guy Raz here from Wow in the World.
Mindy and I have some brand new Wow in the World toys out in the world just in time for the holidays.
Made for the kids who love science?
And for the ones who don't yet.
From our 100 experiments, that wow kit to the telescope and astronomy kit.
Our wow in the world toys help your wowzer learn about their world through play.
Plus, you can hear exclusive audio content from me and Guy Raz to help your wowzer discover even more wows.
Grownups.
Give the gift of wow and wonder this holiday season with our latest wow in the world toys designed with your curiosity.
That's it.
Back to the show.
All right, let's see here.
I've got my ultra wide angle camera lens.
I've got my carbon fiber tripod.
I've got my intervalometer.
Perfect.
I think I've got everything I need for the fireworks display tonight.
Now, if I could just... Coming!
Good evening, Guyron!
Mindy, what's going on?
I can barely see you.
What are you wearing?
Oh, this little thing?
It's my laser light show leotard.
You like it?
Like it?
I can barely see it.
It's blinding me.
OK, well, just let me explain it to you then.
I've got some spinning disco balls, a few multicolored laser lights and the brake light from your bike.
My brake light?
What in the?
Check it out.
Put these on.
Put what on?
These sunglasses I made for you.
Well, actually I made them for Grandma G-Force, but turns out you two have the same lens prescription.
Thanks, Mindy.
I guess.
Oh, you're welcome, Guy Raz.
Wow, you aren't kidding, Mindy.
You're dressed up like a Christmas tree, but why?
Because we're going to a world-famous light show, and I don't want to look out of place.
Besides, this leotard has surprisingly deep pockets.
I've got everything we need for the show in here.
I've got rug magnifying goggles and they get in there.
Well, it sure looks like the wiring on your jacket could use some work.
Huh, it's sparking up all over the place.
Yeah, i don't know why it just does that sometimes.
Just give it a second, it'll be fine.
All right, can we?
Oh yeah, just can.
Can we go now?
Sure, Just as soon as Reggie gets back from his snack run.
He should be back here any second now.
Hey, Reggie.
What'd you get, Reg?
Birdseed again?
Ooh, buffalo wing flavored birdseed.
Don't mind if I do.
I've got rocks.
You want some of this birdseed?
Uh, no, I'm okay.
Thanks.
You're lost.
Ready to go, Red?
Okay, hop on board, Guy Raz.
And remember to strap in.
Strap in?
What?
Here we go!
Hey, Mindy!
I said... I don't know, Guy Raz.
I can't hear you.
Um, here, put on this headset.
Uh, uh, okay.
Is this better?
Can you hear me now?
Yeah, much better.
Sorry, buddy.
Like I said, no pretzels.
No, Mindy, I was asking where the light show was.
Where are we going?
Well, the display is being put on by Reggie's friend, Gary.
Wait, that goose that's around lately?
Yeah, you know Gary.
Anywho, he's a Canadian geese, so... So we're going to Canada?
Northern Alberta, Canada, if you want to be technically correct.
Technically correct is the best kind of correct.
In fact, I think we're here.
Set her down, Reg!
Thanks, Reg.
Oh, Mandy.
It's free It's freezing out here.
I wish I'd brought a jacket.
Don't worry, Guy Raz.
I think I have a blanket for you in this leotard pocket somewhere.
Um... Oh, here we go.
Mindy, this blanket has a giant picture of your face on it.
Yeah, I crocheted it myself.
How thoughtful.
Hey, look, there's Gary.
Hey, Gary!
Gary!
Gary! nice to see you too, buddy.
Isn't it great when you see old friends get together again?
Good one, guys.
What are they saying, Mindy?
No idea.
Oh, so hey, Gary, when's the light show supposed to start?
What?
You don't know?
Gary, I was told to be here at 8 p.m. sharp, and now... Uh, uh, uh, Mindy?
And now I'm just standing here in the middle of nowhere Canada... Mindy?
Freezing my batoot off, and for what?
Mindy, look!
Oh, my... Reggie, Reggie, Reggie, are you seeing this?
Gary, is this what you wanted to show us?
What is it?
It's so stinkin' beautiful.
I think I know what it is, Mindy.
That is the Aurora Borealis, the greatest light show on Earth.
You can say that again.
The greatest light show on Earth.
Just look at all those colors, Guy Raz.
Pink, blue... Magenta, yellow, violet... All dancing across the sky.
It sure is beautiful, Mindy.
Yeah.
What did you call it again?
It's called the Aurora Borealis.
Huh.
And how come I haven't seen one of these...
Aurora Borealis deals before now.
Well Mindy, these lights are so rare because they usually only occur at the planet's magnetic poles.
So way up at the North Pole and way down in Antarctica.
That's right, which means that this aurora, the Aurora Borealis, can only be seen very far north, when you're close to the North Pole.
Okay, so like here in Northern Canada.
Exactly.
And because the Earth has two magnetic poles... The North Pole and the South Pole.
There's actually another type of aurora that occurs down in the Southern Hemisphere.
And that's called the Aurora Australis.
Wow.
So all those people in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand are getting their own private light show down there, just like us.
That's right.
But what could possibly be making all of these amazing colors?
Oh!
Is it flashlights being shown down from outer space by astronauts?
Nope.
Maybe they're caused by really huge disco balls that were placed at the North and South Poles.
Well, just to be clear, the North and South Poles aren't actually poles.
Obviously.
Now, I know.
It must be caused by millions of little high-altitude glow worms.
I'm afraid not, Mindy.
Then what is it?
It's the sun.
Guy Raz, it's pitch black out here.
How can the sun be creating something like this?
Well, it all starts with a... Guy Raz, excuse me.
Use yourself!
Excuse me, Mindy.
You could have at least given me a warning that that was coming.
But I was trying to make a point.
A point about what?
How you had a garlic smoothie for breakfast?
No, no, no, Mindy.
A point about these auroras.
They start with a burp.
A burp?
Yeah, a great burp.
Big solar belch.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hold the phone there, Guy Raz.
You're saying that the sun burped out this light show?
Well, yeah, sort of.
But how?
Well, you know how the sun provides the earth with heat?
And light?
Yeah.
Well, that's not the only thing that the sun is giving us.
It isn't?
No, the sun also sends out these gases which have these little particles inside of them, called electrons.
And these gases that the sun sends out are called solar winds.
Solar winds?
So is that like the wind here on Earth?
Well sort of.
Except instead of carrying things like or plant seeds, solar wind carries around these highly charged particles called electrons.
Time out!
An electron is the negatively charged part of an atom, and atoms are the building blocks that make up the world around us.
Time in!
Just like the wind here on Earth, these winds can sometimes turn into storms.
Solar storms?
That's right.
And at the peak of these solar storms, the sun throws out a whole bunch of these electrons in a process called coronal mass ejection, otherwise known as Excuse me,
A solar burp.
Right.
The sun belches out this extra huge bubble of electrified gas, and then that gas travels through the solar system really fast.
How fast?
Well, like one million miles an hour fast.
Wow.
So the sun, let me see if I remember here, 92 million miles away.
Then that belt will arrive here in about, carry the one, 92 hours. which is... About four days.
Right.
So what happens when this four-day-old solar burp reaches Earth?
Well, as these electrons from the sun's burp enters our atmosphere...
They move towards the magnetic poles.
Which are located at the top and bottom of the planet and tell you which way is north on a compass.
Exactly.
And once they get there, they start to smash into the oxygen and nitrogen atoms that live in our atmosphere.
And by atmosphere, you mean the blanket of gases that surround the planets.
Exactly, our invisible atmosphere.
And as these electrons crash into the oxygen and nitrogen gases, they create these amazing colors.
That's so wow.
So if one of these electrons crashes into an oxygen atom, they'll turn green or red.
And if they hit a nitrogen atom, they'll turn blue or purple.
Huh, so sort of like when you mix two different paint colors together to make a new paint color?
Correctamundo.
Okay, but what if I wanted to see pink or yellow or white?
Well, with those colors, if you want to see them, we actually have to leave our planet and move to the outer solar system.
Wait, you mean outside?
Other planets have auroras, too?
Yes!
Pretty amazing, right?
Yeah.
And for another planet to have an aurora, it just needs to check two boxes on the aurora checklist.
Here, let me show you on my checklist.
You keep an aurora checklist in your pocket?
Yeah, you know, just for good measure.
Okay, well, that's awfully convenient.
Let's see here.
So, first, the planet needs to have an atmosphere...
And second, it needs to have a magnetic field.
That's right.
So planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus all have auroras.
In fact, in 2016, NASA's Hubble telescope captured a video of an ultraviolet aurora over Jupiter's North Pole.
That's amazing!
It's out of this world, Mindy.
So if that's the aurora borealis, then what's the other wave of light out there?
Do you see it?
Huh.
Oh, yeah.
It's much lower than the aurora and very purple.
Hmm.
I think I've got my magnifying goggles somewhere.
OK.
Let me just see here.
You know, it looks like one long, giant purple hand with a bunch of green fingers sticking out of it.
Yeah.
Guy Raz, I know what this is.
What?
It's Steve.
Uh, Steve?
Yeah, Steve.
Quick, get your camera out.
My camera?
Yeah, you brought your camera to the light show, right?
Uh, yeah.
Well, get it out.
It's time for us to do some citizen science.
Steve?
Steve?
Citizen science?
Mindy, what are you talking about?
I just heard about this.
So Steve is a new type of aurora that researchers discovered earlier this year, thanks to citizen scientists.
A guy in my citizen scientist club was talking about it just last week.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down there.
Let's break this down.
Steve is a new type of aurora?
Yeah, so Steve is an acronym that stands for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.
S-T-E-V-E.
Steve, I got it!
And the only reason these researchers were able to understand the inner workings of this natural phenomenon was by analyzing the photographs of everyday citizen scientists like you or me.
And citizen scientists are just everyday people like us.
People who collect data for business.
Big science projects, right?
Exactly.
And like I said, one of the citizen scientists in my club was talking about Steve last week.
Wait a minute, Mindy.
You have your own citizen science club?
Oh, yeah.
We're the Citizen Science Science Solvers, or CSSS, or... Um... Oh, Guy Raz, you should join us.
Yes, you would love it.
Yeah, well, what kind of stuff do you do?
Oh, we do all kinds of fun stuff like count the number of endangered bugs in the neighborhood or track the stars as they make their way across the night sky.
One time we even found out how they got the cookies into the cookies and cream ice cream.
And so this natural phenomenon... Steve.
Steve.
Steve was discovered by a group of citizen scientists?
Yep.
With the help of a few researchers.
So how did it work?
So Dr Elizabeth McDonald, this scientist from NASA's Goddard Flight Center.
She set up a website where citizen scientist photographers could upload their photos of Steve to an international database.
Which is basically an app online library.
Right then, dr mcdonald and her team joined forces with dr eric donovan, a professor at the university of calgary, who had also been studying the phenomenon for a bunch of years and had also been collecting lots and lots of photos of steve right and so, by analyzing or studying these photos and then combining that data with information they were able to collect from european satellites in the area, Dr McDonald and her team were able to learn that Steve is related to a phenomenon known as subaural ion drift.
Uh, what?
Subaural ion drift!
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Or said for short.
S-A-R.
I desaid.
Got it.
These saids happen when the magnetic fields, Which again are the magnetic forces that are found at the top and the bottom of our planet.
And when these magnetic fields rearrange themselves and there are still these highly charged particles floating around in the atmosphere, the charged particles just scatter all over the place.
Kind of like a wet towel. dog shaking itself off.
Exact Doritos.
And when they get shaken off they crash into particles a lot lower than where they usually collide in the Aurora Borealis.
That's fascinating, Mindy.
And to think that all of that was discovered thanks to everyday people with an interest in science.
I know, but they're not done yet.
They aren't?
Nope.
Scientists still want to know a lot more about Steve.
Well, what more is there to learn?
Well, SEDs happen pretty often, but they're usually invisible to the human eye.
So the next step in Dr McDonald's research will be to explain the vivid colors that we started to see recently.
And the only way to do that is with... More photos!
So get out your camera, Guy Raz.
All right, Mindy, you know what I always say.
Wipe your feet before you.
Anything for science.
Oh, anything for science.
All right, now I'm going to get Steve warmed up while you get the camera ready, okay?
All right.
Hey, Steve, want to take some pictures?
Yeah?
You up for a little photo shoot?
Great.
Ready, Guy Raz?
Ready.
Ooh, yeah, Steve, work it.
Yeah, let me see the red.
Ooh, very nice.
Now some purple.
Ooh, I love it.
Look at the colors.
Come on.
Wow, that was so cool!
Reggie.
All those citizen scientists worked together and took pictures of a natural phenomenon so that everyone could learn more about it.
And in this case, the natural phenomenon was sunburps that they named Steve?
Strong thermal emission velocity enhancement?
That's amazing!
I want to discover a beautiful natural light show and name it after something cool, too.
How about the Aurora Dennis?
Of course it stands for something science-y.
It's, um, discovered electron nebula NASA information, um, swirly.
Because it's a swirly thing in the sky that I'm going to discover right now.
All right, we got to wrap up the show first.
Thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to WeWow on the weekend.
If you want a special limited edition Dennis membership kit, grownups can sign up at tankercastcom slash membership.
Remember, this is only available until August 31st, 2024.
Okay, should we do the goodbye song?
Great.
That's the end of the show.
I need to go and discover a natural phenomenon in northern Canada.
But I'll do another show tomorrow.
But for now, that's the end of the show.
Bye!
Grownups, if you like Wow in the World, you can listen early and ad-free right now on Wondery Plus.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
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