SMARTY Q: WHY DOES THE MOON TURN RED??? - Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids

Summary

Episode Summary: SMARTY Q: WHY DOES THE MOON TURN RED???

Podcast: Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids
Host/Author: Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media
Episode Release Date: March 18, 2025

Introduction to Smarty Qs

In this engaging episode of "Who Smarted?", the Trusty Narrator introduces the special segment Smarty Qs, where curious young listeners submit their intriguing questions to be answered in bite-sized, informative episodes. At [00:45], the narrator explains:

“Smarty Qs are questions that you, the smarty pants, ask me, the trusty narrator that I answer on a special mini episode.” (00:45)

This segment aims to foster a love for learning by addressing questions that spark curiosity but may not require an entire episode.

Question 1: Why Does the Moon Turn Red During a Lunar Eclipse?

Submitted by: Joella

Joella's question delves into the fascinating phenomenon of the "blood moon." At [02:15], the Trusty Narrator responds:

“When there's a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the moon's surface. But instead of making the moon disappear completely, something amazing happens. It turns red.” (02:15)

The explanation continues by detailing how Earth's atmosphere acts as a giant filter, scattering shorter wavelengths (blue and green) and allowing longer wavelengths (red and orange) to pass through. This refracted red light bends around the Earth and illuminates the moon, giving it its characteristic reddish hue. The narrator succinctly summarizes:

“That's why a lunar eclipse is sometimes called a blood moon.” (03:00)

Question 2: Can Worms Get Concussions?

Submitted by: Henry, age 7, from Minnesota

Henry's imaginative question explores the nature of concussions in invertebrates. At [04:10], the narrator cheerfully acknowledges the creativity behind the question:

“Whoa. I don't know what made you think of that question, Henry, but I love it.” (04:10)

The explanation clarifies that concussions involve the brain being shaken inside the skull, a scenario applicable to creatures with complex nervous systems. Since worms lack skulls and possess a simpler structure called a nerve ganglion near their heads, they cannot experience concussions in the traditional sense. The narrator elaborates:

“Because worms are soft and flexible, they don't get concussions the way humans or animals with skulls do.” (04:45)

However, worms can still suffer damage from excessive pressure or harm to their nervous systems, affecting their movement or survival. The narrator emphasizes the importance of gentle treatment:

“While a worm can't get a concussion like you or me, it still needs to be treated gently, just like anyone.” (05:30)

Question 3: What Is Water Pressure?

Submitted by: Ivan

Ivan's question introduces the concept of water pressure and its implications in everyday experiences and extreme environments. At [06:05], the narrator connects the concept to a common observation:

“Have you ever noticed if you swim to the bottom of a swimming pool, your ears start to feel funny? That's water pressure in action.” (06:05)

The explanation covers how water pressure increases with depth due to the weight of the overlying water. This pressure affects everything from scuba divers, who require specialized gear to withstand deep-sea conditions, to the formation of ocean trenches. The narrator provides a striking example:

“At some of the most extreme places on earth, at the very bottom of the ocean, the pressure is so strong, it could crush a submarine.” (07:20)

This vivid imagery helps listeners grasp the immense force exerted by water at great depths.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners to submit their own questions for future Smarty Qs episodes. The Trusty Narrator encourages:

“Keep on smarting, Smartypants.” (08:00)

This invitation fosters ongoing engagement and continuous learning, ensuring that young minds remain curious and eager to explore the world around them.

Key Takeaways

Lunar Eclipses: Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight, allowing red wavelengths to illuminate the moon, resulting in a blood moon during a lunar eclipse.
Worms and Concussions: Worms lack the anatomical structures (like skulls) necessary to experience concussions, though they can still be harmed by physical damage.
Water Pressure: Increases with depth due to the weight of water above, significantly impacting both everyday activities like swimming and extreme environments like the ocean's depths.

Notable Quotes

Trusty Narrator on Blood Moon: “That's why a lunar eclipse is sometimes called a blood moon.” (03:00)
Trusty Narrator on Worms: “While a worm can't get a concussion like you or me, it still needs to be treated gently, just like anyone.” (05:30)
Trusty Narrator on Water Pressure: “At some of the most extreme places on earth, at the very bottom of the ocean, the pressure is so strong, it could crush a submarine.” (07:20)

This episode of "Who Smarted?" beautifully blends humor with education, addressing intriguing questions with clear explanations and relatable examples. It's an excellent resource for kids eager to learn and parents seeking enriching content for their children.

Transcript

Jerry Colber (0:00)

Hey there smarty pants parents. You love whosmarted because it makes learning fun for your kids.

Trusty Narrator (0:05)

But what about your brain?

Jerry Colber (0:07)

I'm Jerry Colber, the co creator of WhoSmarted and yes, your very own trusty narrator. And I've got something just for you. It's called the Daily brain, a quick 10 minute podcast designed to help you think, sharper, stress less and boost your brain power with simple science backed exercises. From problem solving hacks to memory tricks and focus boosters, the Daily Brain is like a mini workout for your mind. No heavy lifting required. So after who Smarted, treat yourself to some brain boosting fun. Listen to the Daily Brain wherever you get your podcasts.

Trusty Narrator (0:45)

Hey smartypants, have I got a fun surprise Today, as a gift from me to you, I want to play an episode of something we like to call Smarty Qs. What are Smarty Qs? You ask? Why? Smarty Qs are questions that you, the smarty pants, ask me, the trusty narrator that I answer on a special mini episode. It's a chance for me to answer all the cool, curious and interesting questions you have that aren't quite big enough to make an entire episode of who's Smarted About. And not only do I answer your question, but I let everyone know who asked it. So sit back and enjoy this episode of Smart eqs and at the end, I'll let you know how you can get smarteqs and how you can send me your questions to answer. Hey there, who smarted plus subscribers. Welcome to another fun and fascinating edition of SmartYQ, where I, the trusty narrator, answer questions from you, our brilliant Smarty pants listeners. Remember, if you have a question you'd like answered on a future episode of Smarty Cube, just have an adult help you Email it to me@whosmartedhoosmarted.com now let's dive into today's questions. Our first question comes from Joella, who asks, why does the moon turn red during a lunar eclipse? That is a great question, Joella. When there's a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the moon's surface. But instead of making the moon disappear completely, something amazing happens. It turns red. Why? Well, even though the Earth is in the way, some sunlight still manages to reach the Moon. But before it gets there, it has to pass through Earth's atmosphere. Our atmosphere acts like a giant filter, scattering shorter wavelengths of light like blue and green, and letting the longer wavelengths like red and orange pass through. This reddish light bends around the earth and lands on the moon, making it glow a spooky red color. That's why a lunar eclipse is sometimes called a blood moon. Okay, let's move on to our next question from Henry, age 7, from Minnesota, who wants to know, can worms get concussions? Whoa. I don't know what made you think of that question, Henry, but I love it. Okay, the first thing you need to know is a concussion happens when your brain gets shaken inside your skull, usually from a hard hit. But here's the thing. Worms don't have skulls or even real brains. Instead, they have something called a nerve ganglion, which is like a simple brain located near their head. Because worms are soft and flexible, they don't get concussions the way humans or animals with skulls do. If you drop a worm, it won't bonk its head because, well, it doesn't really have one. At least not like we do. But worms can still get hurt if they experience too much pressure or damage to their nervous system. They might stop moving properly or even die. So while a worm can't get a concussion like you or me, it still needs to be treated gently, just like anyone. Okay, my third and final SMART EQ question is from Ivan, who asks, what is water pressure? Very interesting, Ivan. So, have you ever noticed if you swim to the bottom of a swimming pool, your ears start to feel funny? That's water pressure in action. Water pressure is the force of water pushing on something, and the deeper you go, the stronger it gets. Why, you ask? Because water is heavy, and the deeper you are, the more water is stacked on top of you, pressing down. That's why scuba divers need special gear to handle the pressure in deep water. Water pressure also helps water move through pipes and even makes ocean trenches. Some of the most extreme places on earth, at the very bottom of the ocean, the pressure is so strong, it it could crush a submarine. And there you have it, Another fun and fact filled episode of SmartEQ. If you have a question you'd like me to answer on a Future episode of SmartEQ, just email me@whosmartedosmarted.com until next time. Keep on smarting, Smartypants. This episode is brought to you by ixl. As someone who's constantly balancing work and life, I know how tough it can be to make sure kids get the academic support they need, whether they're homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. That's why IXL has been a lifesaver. It's an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science, and social studies with interactive practice problems, games and video tutorials. Plus, it makes learning fun. Just like WhoSmarted. For homeschool parents, iExcel is the perfect supplement to your curriculum, giving kids personalized learning at their own pace. And for parents of traditional school kids, it is a great way to reinforce what they're learning in class, whether they need extra help or are just looking for a challenge. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL today. 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Not Only that, a WhoSmarted plus subscription gets you four to five brand new bonus episodes plus smart EQs every month. And all of your episodes are 100% ad free. So sign up for WhoSmarted plus right now on Apple Podcasts or by going to our website who WhoSmarted.com and clicking subscribe. There's even a free trial to see if you love it, so sign up today. You'll be glad you did.