24. Do Aliens exist? How and Why Does Skin Tan? Why do Zebras have Stripes?

Frida asks our first question which is, do aliens exist? Find out what Doug from the Science Museum thinks, where scientists think alien life might live, such as on exoplanets – planets outside of our solar system! Plus a reminder of how lucky we are to be here on a planet that gives us all we need, fresh air, water and oxygen to breathe! So let’s enjoy it and look after it. It’s bluebell season so why not find an ancient bluebell wood near you to drag your parents to! 

Eleanor is up next and she would like to know how are why does skin tan? Find out about how your skin tans to protect your body, by creating more of a colour called melanin. Plus why tans fade and why you – hopefully won’t – get sunburn. Do be careful in the hot sun wear a long sleeved T shirt and a hat if you’re out playing in the sun a lot or play in the shade when its really sunny!

Iris, asks our third question which is, why do zebras have stripes? Find out the different theories about why zebras are stripy and why the University of California dressed horses up as zebras. Plus find out where the nearest stripy creature is to you, a clue is – have a good look at yourself and your family! Did you know humans give off light? They do! So why can’t we see it? 

Thanks so much to Iris, Frida and Eleanor for this week’s questions and to Doug from the Science Museum for talking about aliens!

Just a quick reminder about the British Podcast Awards and the new book I’m writing of Everything Under The Sun, which you could be in!  

EUTS is nominated for Best Family Podcast in the British Podcast Awards! Remember to vote for EUTS in the British Podcast Awards by going to britishpodcastawards.com/vote and type in the first few letters of Everything Under The Sun and it'll come up. Thank you very much everyone!

Also I’m busy writing a book, which will be filled with YOUR questions, there will be 365 questions from children about everything under the sun so if you’d like to be in the book, please do send your questions in! 

Just ask an adult to record you asking it and send it into me at molly@everythingunderthesun.co.uk

There’s more info about how to do that on the show’s website, everythingunderthesun.co.uk. 

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For info and links below:

The Science Museum: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Humans give off light: https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2009/jul/17/human-bioluminescence

Zebras dressed as horses: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-dressed-horses-zebras-determine-purpose-stripes-180971540/

TED talk about the search for alien life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnM4SaGc8R0

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