Glasgow Science Centre

A Spark of Science

Science EN ↓ 269 episodes

Join us for this two-minute podcast where we explore a different scientific concept each week. Did you know that a Scottish mountain helped measure the weight of the Earth, or that octopuses are amazing escape artists? Discover what it was like for cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be the first to launch into space and listen to some inspiring stories from people working in science today. What else will you discover with a Spark of Science? Get in touch on twitter @gsc1 or visit https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/the-spark-magazine

Author

Glasgow Science Centre

Category

Science

Latest episode

Sep 15, 2025

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Episodes

244: Silent snow 24.03.2025

Have you ever wondered why silence seems to fall when it snows? In this week's episode we find out why.

243: Red noses and chilly fingers 17.03.2025

In this week's episode, we find out why we get a red nose it's chilly in winter.

242: Why is water salty? 10.03.2025

There's a lot of salty water in Earth's oceans and seas, but why is it salty? Find out in this week's episode.

241: Why does pineapple make your tongue tingle? 03.03.2025

Pineapple might be a tasty treat, but it can feel like your tongue is tingling when you eat it. In this week's episode we find out why!

240: Why can't you burp in space? 24.02.2025

Have you ever wondered whether you would be able to burp in space? In this week's episode, we find out why we can't, and what happens instead.

239: Planetary Procession 17.02.2025

On rare occasions, all the planets in our solar system line up in what is called a planetary procession. In this week's episode, we find out how you can spot the planets in the night sky during this time.

238: Self-driving cars 10.02.2025

It may see like science fiction, but in this episode of a Spark of Science, we discover how self-driving cars may be the future of road travel.

237: Where does plastic go when it's recycled? 03.02.2025

Discover the fascinating journey of plastic from your recycling bin to brand new products.

236: Vitamins 27.01.2025

Explore how vitamins keep us healthy.

235: Why can we see our breath in winter? 20.01.2025

In this weeks episode, we find out why we can see our breath in winter and what conditions are needed for this to happen.

234: Lighting up the Future 13.01.2025

This week we're looking at optical communication. Join us to find out how the power of light can provide superfast internet access.

233: Ice & Salt 06.01.2025

Discover how salt can help to keep the streets ice free in winter by changing when ice freezes.

232: How do clocks work? 30.12.2024

Ho do clocks measure time? In this week episode, we will find out the different ways we measure time and just how accurate they are!

231: From the Archive - Winter Solstice 23.12.2024

Join us as we explore the science of the Winter Solstice! What is it? When is it? And how does it happen? Find out in this weeks seasonal episode!

230: from the archive - How do polar bears stay warm? 16.12.2024

How do polar bears manage to stay warm in such cold climates? Join us as we explore the wonders of their insulating fur and blubber!

229: Is there water in Mars? 09.12.2024

An exciting new discovery on Mars has revealed that there may be water miles below the surface. But how did we find out? Discover more in this week's episode.

228: Nitrogen 02.12.2024

Discover how nitrgoen can be used to keep your food fresh and your crisps crispy in this week's episode.

227: Where do satellites go to die 25.11.2024

What happens to satellites when they are no longer needed? Join us this week to find out.

226: Air Economists 18.11.2024

Explore why the decisions about reducing emissions in towns and cities can be more difficult than you might think. Join us for this special edition with Jack Williamson from Strathclyde University.

225: Indoor Air Quality 11.11.2024

Discover how building design can impact on the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Join us for this special edition with Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde.

224: Auroras 04.11.2024

You may have seen the beautiful coloured lights of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky in Scotland, but what causes it? Find out this week!

223: Polar Nights & Midnight Sun 28.10.2024

Join us this week as we explore the parts of the world where there are months of sunlight and months of darkness.

222: Solubility 21.10.2024

How much sugar can you add to your up of tea? And is there a limit? Join us this week to find out.

221: Why Do Onions Make Us Cry? 14.10.2024

Have you ever wondered why onions cause so many tears when we chop them up? Join us this week to find out!

220: Twins 07.10.2024

Do you know any twins? Maybe you are a twin! This week, we're exploring how identical and non-identical twins are born - what are the differences?

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