Space Elevators Could Totally Work—If Earth Days Were Much Shorter
What would it take to run a cable from the ISS to Earth? Depends how fast you want the Earth to rotate.
Are Those Viral ‘Cooling Blankets’ for Real?
According to physics, any blanket can cool you—for a few minutes. But a real cooling blanket is possible with phase-change materials.
Is Using a Stair Machine the Same as Climbing Stairs?
According to physics, one burns more calories than the other—and the winner might surprise you.
The Phony Physics of Star Wars Are a Blast
Those epic battle scenes in space are awesome—and physically impossible. But hey, it’s more fun this way!
This Famous Physics Experiment Shows Why the Government Should Support ‘Useless’ Science
Basic research often pays huge dividends—but that’s not why we do it.
Torpedo Bats and the Physics of the Sweet Spot
Baseball season just started, and everyone’s talking about these crazy new bats. Will they change the game?
Can’t Wrap Your Head Around Pi? Here’s a Cool Visual to Help
Pi is an irrational number, and like some irrational people it just goes on and on. What is it with this crazy, crucial number?
Is It Electric or Magnetic? Depends on Where You Stand
Physics is weird. Especially when you’re dealing with moving reference frames.
Did a Rock Hit Your Windshield, or Did Your Windshield Hit a Rock?
Either way, it sucks. But at least there’s some fun physics to ponder while you’re sitting in the repair shop.
5 Physics Equations Everyone Should Know
Our physics expert picks his top-five equations, plus a scheme to supply US power needs with a bucket of baseballs. Thanks, Einstein!