Broadcast Outage: We're investigating a broadcast transmission failure affecting the San Luis Valley from Antonito in the south to Salida in the north. We're working to resolve this issue. You can stream our live broadcast HERE or via the RMPBS+ App.

Stream live and on-demand content now on our new app:

RMPBS+

Donate

Help tell more stories in 2026 - make a year-end gift!

Be Smart show's poster

Science and Nature

Why No One Can Agree What’s Really the Tallest Mountain

Join Joe Hanson as he explores curiosity and illuminates the science behind… well, everything.

Why No One Can Agree What’s Really the Tallest Mountain

Season 10 Episode 9 | 8m 29s | CC

What's the tallest mountain on Earth? It might seem like an easy question to answer, but in reality it's one that brings up more NEW questions than answers. It turns out that the way we measure mountains rests on a lot of approximations, assumptions, and averages. And when you dig into those, there's several contenders for the tallest mountain, each with their own good case for the title.

share

Be Smart

Watch more episodes

Why Embarrassment Is Actually Good For You

We explore why embarrassment has lasted through evolution and its function.

What’s Actually on the Other Side of a Mirror?

The real magic of mirrors is far stranger and more interesting, as you’re about to learn.

Why Don't Big Animals Get More Cancer?

We explore why animals like whales, elephants, and other large animals not get cancer.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >