World Cup: This year's special Al Rihla ball has the aerodynamics of a champion, according to a sports physicist

Adidas releases a new ball for every World Cup. At the highest level of play, a ball that behaves in unexpected ways can throw players off. A sports physicist explains the science of this year’s ball.

John Eric Goff, Professor of Physics, University of Lynchburg • conversation
Nov. 18, 2022 ~9 min

Ski jump: Flying or falling with style?

Ski jumpers do everything they can to counteract the effects of gravity and fly as far as they can down hills.

Amy Pope, Senior Lecturer of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University • conversation
Feb. 9, 2022 ~7 min


The high-speed physics of how bobsled, luge and skeleton send humans hurtling faster than a car on the highway

It may look like athletes in bobsled, luge and skeleton simply grab a sled and hang on until the bottom, but high-speed physics and tiny motions mean the difference between gold and a crash.

John Eric Goff, Professor of Physics, University of Lynchburg • conversation
Feb. 4, 2022 ~8 min

SpaceX Starship prototype exploded, but it's still a giant leap towards Mars

Starship's groundbreaking design will help it land safely on Mars one day.

Hugh Hunt, Reader in Engineering Dynamics and Vibration, University of Cambridge • conversation
Dec. 14, 2020 ~6 min

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