Physics Buzz Blog
 

Mapping Distant Planet Surfaces Possible
Friday, February 15, 2013
'Extrasolar cartography' technique could provide rough pictures of alien worlds. This EPOXI mission image shows what an Earth-like exoplanet might look like from afar. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UMD/GSFC ... more

Amazing Russian Meteor Videos
Friday, February 15, 2013
Early Friday morning, a streaking meteor illuminated the sky over Chelyabinsk, Russia. Seconds later, meteorite debris pummeled the city, injuring over 900 people. A shcokwave from the meteor's higher altitude explosions also cracked as it reached the gr... more



 
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Below Absolute Zero: Negative Temperatures Explained

What does it mean?


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Shattering Science and Glass Physics

Scientists try to strike a balance with glass


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Bullet Proof: Absorbing Micro-Bullets

Bullet-proof material absorbs bullets and reseals itself
 
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Chocolate Physics

Take a closer look at chocolatey treats


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Jupiter's Little Red Spot

On its way to Pluto, New Horizons caught a glimpse of Jupiter's smaller blemish


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Hornet X-Ray

Special x-rays give detailed images of small biological samples
 
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Supersonic Ping Pong Bazooka

Engineers create a ping pong gun that breaks the sound barrier


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Science on the Silver Screen

Scientists break down the science in popular films


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Science of a Shipwreck: Costa Concordia

Largest salvage effort ever presents unique engineering challenges
 
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Colorful Oobleck Fun

Make your own non-Newtonian fluid in this demo


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Create Your Own Rainbow

Learn about refraction in the kitchen


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Fluorescent Olive Oil

Discover fluorescence with a laser pointer and a few drops of olive oil


Podcasts
 

Picasso's Mysterious Paint
February 13, 2013
An art historian and physicist recently teamed up to unravel a mystery surrounding one of Picasso's avant-garde painting methods.

The Good, the Bad, the Radiation
February 06, 2013
Authors of the new book "Radiation: What it is, what you need to know" discuss why radiation is not inherently good or bad. Like any technology, it all depends on how we use it.

Destructive Domino Effect
January 31, 2013
Did you know that with the right set-up you could knock down a
building with nothing but a breath of air? Find out how on this week's podcast.

Podcast Archive

PhysicsQuest

Registration Open For PhysicsQuest: Spectra's Turbulent Times

Henri VillainIt’s wintertime and the swim team of Tesla Junior high has gone to Pasadena, CA for their yearly winter training camp.  The state championship meet is coming up, where they will face the unbeaten Edison Middle School Wizards of Menlo Park, IN. Coach Henri Toueaux will stop at nothing to secure a new trophy for his office, and he doesn’t care who he leaves in his wake, including his team.

Your students will learn about fluid dynamics as they help Spectra by using her laser powers and their knowledge of fluid flow to stop H. Toueaux from crossing the line from motivating coach to evil villain.

Register now to receive your free kit

Learn more about PhysicsQuest

Featured Topic

Light & Optics
Light includes electromagnetic waves of all sizes of wavelengths, frequencies, and energies. Light particles, called photons, have properties of particles and waves, a combination that makes light very interesting. With the invention of lasers, we have gained precise control over light and revolutionized many areas of research and technology.

Discover all Physics Topics

Comic Books

Click to Read Physics Comics

Read all of our physics comic books online, and follow the adventures of Spectra, the original laser superhero.

Science off the Sphere

Science off the Sphere

Astronaut and chemist Dr. Don Pettit did physics demos that are out of this world while he was aboard the International Space Station. Now you can enjoy videos of his fantastic micro-gravity experiments safely on the surface!

Watch the videos

Physics Stuff

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Spectra Sound

Posters, Spectra Sound, Tshirts and More... Buy Now!

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Resources for Educators

PhysicsCentral runs programs for all ages with the goal of making physics fun and interesting for everyone. From coloring books to at home experiments we have something perfect for you and your students to enjoy. 

Resources for Educators