Long Range Missles, 6 second kissing, Mars underground ocean

Summary

This episode of VOA Learning English covers a variety of topics, starting with the U.S. Navy's deployment of long-range missiles to counter China's military presence in the Indo-Pacific. The program also includes a health segment about the benefits of a six-second kiss, based on research by John and Julie Gottman. A science report discusses new findings from NASA’s InSight lander, suggesting the presence of liquid water beneath Mars' surface, potentially supporting life. Finally, the program takes listeners on a journey to Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a geological marvel known for its dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. Navy has deployed the AIM-174 B long-range air-to-air missile, enhancing its defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• 😀 The AIM-174 B missile can strike targets up to 400 km away, surpassing the range of previous U.S. missiles like the AIM-120.
• 😀 The six-second kiss, suggested by therapists John and Julie Gottman, promotes physical and emotional connection between partners.
• 😀 Oxytocin, released during a six-second kiss, helps build trust and calm the brain's fear center, improving relationships.
• 😀 Mars is believed to have a large underground ocean, potentially harboring conditions for past or present microbial life.
• 😀 NASA's InSight lander has provided seismic data suggesting liquid water exists between 11 and 20 km below Mars' surface.
• 😀 Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado is a steep, narrow canyon known for its unique rock formations and rich birdlife.
• 😀 The Gunnison River's force has shaped Black Canyon over millions of years, exposing some of Earth's oldest rocks.
• 😀 The canyon's walls feature colorful patterns formed by crystallized minerals like potassium feldspar.
• 😀 Black Canyon became a national monument in 1933 and a national park in 1999, protecting over 22 km of its unique landscape.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Learning English' program?

The purpose of the 'Learning English' program is to provide English learners with stories and information, spoken at a slower pace with words and phrases specially designed for those learning English.

What significant military development does the U.S. Navy have in the Indo-Pacific region?

The U.S. Navy has deployed new long-range air-to-air missiles, the Aim 174 B, in the Indo-Pacific region. This missile has a range of up to 400 km, significantly outperforming the previous Aim 120 missile.

How does the Aim 174 B missile improve U.S. military capabilities in the region?

The Aim 174 B missile allows U.S. aircraft to strike targets from a greater distance, reducing the risk to aircraft carriers by keeping threats farther away, and enabling long-range strikes on high-value targets.

What is the health and lifestyle report about in the transcript?

The health and lifestyle report discusses a daily exercise suggested by couples therapists called the 'six-second kiss,' which is intended to help couples connect physically and emotionally.

What is the scientific significance of the study mentioned in the transcript regarding Mars?

A new study suggests that Mars contains a large underground ocean, based on seismic data collected by NASA's Insight lander. This finding implies that Mars may have had or still has liquid water deep beneath its surface.

How do the Gottmans' six-second kiss and similar exercises impact relationships?

The six-second kiss helps to build trust and emotional connection between partners by triggering the release of oxytocin, a hormone that fosters bonding and reduces fear.

What are the implications of finding liquid water on Mars?

The discovery of liquid water beneath the Martian surface raises the possibility that microbial life could exist or have existed on Mars in the past, and it could guide future studies on the planet's climate and potential for life.

What role does the Gunnison River play in the formation of Black Canyon?

The Gunnison River, through millions of years of erosion, carved out the Black Canyon, resulting in its steep, narrow walls and dramatic rock formations.

What wildlife can be found in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to various birds such as mountain bluebirds, great horned owls, peregrine falcons, and American dippers, who live along the canyon's rim, walls, and by the river.

What is the significance of the Painted Wall in Black Canyon?

The Painted Wall is the highest cliff in Colorado and features long pink bands of rock formed by magma intrusion. This striking pattern was created as hot liquid rock cooled and crystallized, giving the wall its unique coloration.