How do planes use smart radar?
The radio waves that keep you safe in the sky and on land (Image source: Pixabay) What’s the weather going to be this afternoon? Tomorrow? Or even next week? Thanks to the weather forecast,...
Author: Ailsa Harvey
How are deep-sea cables laid?
It’s a serious undertaking to connect each country to the internet across thousands of kilometres of ocean (Image source: Future PLC/ Ed Crooks) We often think we’re living in an increasingly wireless world. We...
What is an atom?
The structure of these microscopic building blocks drives the chemistry of the universe (Image source: Getty Images) Atoms are the building blocks of everything around you, from the cells in your body to the...
Tractor evolution
How has farming progressed from horse-pulled carts to the tractors of today? (Image source: Pixabay) Tractors have been around since the 1800s, when John Froelich incorporated the first stable petrol-powered traction motor. For most...
What causes fire rainbows?
(Image credit: Guillaume Piolle) Question from Isla Jenkins Fire rainbows are so called because the wispy clouds look like bright flames licking the sky. Officially known as circumhorizontal arcs, they only occur in very specific conditions,...
The invention of Polaroid cameras
Discover the instant camera that inspired generations of photographers (Image source: Eniko Kis/ Unsplash) The invention of Polaroid cameras marked the beginning of a new era for photography. Today, we may take for granted...
What are totem poles?
While only specialists are trusted to carve these mighty sculptures, it takes a village to raise them (Image source: Pixabay) Totem poles are one of the most iconic examples of Native American art. They’re...
How did the Titanic sink?
From the early tragedies to the last recorded words, discover the events of the ‘unsinkable’ ship (Image source: Wikimedia Commons) The air was buzzing with excitement ahead of the launch of Titanic in 1912....
How does a whale’s death bring new life?
The body of a whale can support millions of deep sea organisms (Image source: Pixabay) On an average day, creatures living in the depths of the ocean rely on ‘marine snow’ – a slow...
Why are children such fussy eaters?
(Image source: Pixabay) Question from Joel Francis Fussiness in childhood probably helped to keep our ancestors safe. You only have to look at the huge variety of foods consumed across the world to see...
