May 12-16, 2014
This week’s stories covered nostalgia, the physics of scrubbing, the physics of space, the physics of candied orange peels, and earthquakes.
It has been three decades since Richard left Chicago. So why is he still dreaming of Wrigley Field? “I suppose it has something to do with the 1969 season.”
Guest Poster Hannah Hoag explored the physics behind the awesomeness of Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser and its predecessors. “There is an entire arm of physics devoted to the science of rubbing and scrubbing–and which has slipped into all aspects of life, including my kitchen.”
Helen took us “amongst spacecraft” to give us a sneak peek of a little-known NASA mission. The goal? “Study the physics where the Earth’s magnetic field and the Sun’s magnetic field meet.” Cool.
All Ann wants is candied orange peel. But sugar — that tricksy, shape-shifting siren — won’t let her have it. “Instead I get this lethal complexity, this intricate villainy.” (Ann is being charming again).
Erik thought he knew exactly where to hide to survive an earthquake, until his father-in-law set him straight. “When it hits, just try to get under something and cover your head. And if you’re not getting tossed like a rag doll, don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Enjoy the ride.”
photo of candied orange peel by Jocelyn McAuley