The Bedtime Scientist

A question

Why do leaves change color?

A calm, true answer. Then, if the wondering keeps going, the whole episode.

The short answer

The colours were there the whole time. Leaves hold yellow and orange pigments all summer, hidden underneath the much stronger green of chlorophyll.

As the days shorten the tree stops making chlorophyll, the green fades, and what was underneath finally shows. Some trees make fresh reds in autumn as well. Then a special layer grows across each stem, and the leaf is let go on purpose.

Go deeper tonight

The Falling Leaves: Summer's Soft Farewell

The full episode, in one calm voice, with nothing that startles.

The episode

The Falling Leaves: Summer's Soft Farewell

0:00 14:11
Sleep timer

Read the guide for this one in the morning.

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Rest

One idea turns up in many different nights. Follow one and the library starts to join up.