Gravitational Lensing

In a long line of intellectual triumphs, Einstein’s theory of general relativity was his greatest and most imaginative. It tells us that what we experience as gravity can be most accurately described as the bending of space itself. This idea leads to consequences, including gravitational lensing, which is caused by light traveling in this curved space. This is works in a way analogous to a lens (and hence the name). In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln explains a little general relativity, a little gravitational lensing, and tells us how this phenomenon allows us to map out the matter of the entire universe, including the otherwise-invisible dark matter.

 

The Radium Girls

SciShow explores the harrowing tale of the so-called Radium Girls, factory workers who were the first who for years worked with one of the world’s most radioactive substances -- and suffered the consequences.

 

Why Raindrops Are Mathematically Impossible

Rain shouldn't happen, according to basic physics.

 

Why do buildings fall in earthquakes? - Vicki V. May

Earthquakes have always been a terrifying phenomenon, and they’ve become more deadly as our cities have grown — with collapsing buildings posing one of the largest risks. But why do buildings collapse in an earthquake? And how can it be prevented? Vicki V. May explains the physics of why it is not the sturdiest buildings, but the smartest, that will remain standing.

 Lesson by Vicki V. May, animation by Pew36 Animation Studios.

Does The Moon Really Orbit The Earth?

According to Newton’s law of gravitation, the sun should “pull” way harder on the moon than the Earth does. So does the moon actually orbit the Earth? Why?