It’s a wonderful world — and universe — out there.

Explainers

Background pieces for a deeper dive into a broad range of pivotal topics

Climate
Explainer: What is an atmospheric river?

By Carolyn GramlingJuly 3, 2023
Physics
Explainer: Reflection, refraction and the power of lenses

By Trisha MuroJune 7, 2023
Health & Medicine
Explainer: Why it’s easier to get sick in the winter

By Tina Hesman SaeyFebruary 20, 2023
Physics
Explainer: Kinetic and potential energy

By Trisha MuroFebruary 17, 2023
Climate
Explainer: What is decarbonization?

By Laura AllenJanuary 20, 2023
Chemistry
Explainer: All about carbon dioxide

By Trisha MuroJanuary 20, 2023
Physics
Explainer: What is friction?

By Trisha MuroJanuary 13, 2023
Physics
Explainer: Radiation and radioactive decay

By Janet Raloff and Trisha MuroJanuary 10, 2023

Physics
Explainer: Radioactive dating helps solve mysteries

By Trisha MuroJanuary 10, 2023
Chemistry
Explainer: What is a hydrogel?

By Katie Grace CarpenterNovember 21, 2022
Physics
Explainer: What are the different states of matter?

By Allison GaspariniOctober 26, 2022
Physics
Cosmic timeline: What’s happened since the Big Bang

By Trisha MuroOctober 20, 2022