Source of this article and featured image is Wired Science. Description and key fact are generated by Codevision AI system.
This tutorial explains how to measure Earth’s radius using Legos, inspired by ancient Greek methods. Rhett Allain demonstrates a creative approach combining physics and DIY tools. The process involves measuring shadow angles and calculating distances with simple materials. Readers will learn to apply historical scientific principles to modern experiments. It’s worth reading for its engaging blend of education and hands-on experimentation.
Key facts
- Eratosthenes calculated Earth’s radius over 2,000 years ago using shadow angles and city distances.
- The tutorial uses Legos to create a simple device for measuring shadow angles with precision.
- A friend, phone, and Lego blocks are all that’s needed to perform the experiment.
- The calculation involves trigonometry to determine Earth’s curvature from shadow length and height.
- The method achieves accuracy within 1% of Earth’s actual radius.
TAGS:
#DIY #Earth #education #experiments #history #Legos #mathematics #measurement #physics #science
