Space & Atmosphere
Why Do Stars Twinkle?
Stars do not actually flicker. Earth's atmosphere bends their light in constantly shifting ways, creating the twinkling effect. Planets do not twinkle for a specific reason.
Optics & Atmosphere
Why Do Rainbows Curve?
Rainbows are circles. You see an arc because the ground gets in the way. The curve comes from the precise angle at which each raindrop returns light toward your eyes.
Optics & Ocean Science
Why Is the Ocean Blue?
Water is not actually clear. It absorbs red and yellow light and scatters blue. In a glass this is undetectable, but across miles of ocean depth it becomes vivid blue.
Nature & Physics
Why Is Snow White?
Snow is white because millions of tiny ice crystals scatter all wavelengths of light equally in every direction. Your eyes receive the full spectrum at once, which looks white.