Roll up! Roll up! Get ready to take your seat for the greatest show on Earth. Imagine you’re flying through the air, juggling knives or breathing fire. Sound scary? Well, don’t worry – science has your back. We are looking at some of the most stunning feats, and how circus performers effortlessly use a knowledge of forces and other scientific know-how to amaze and entertain.
Nerves of steel
Circus acts have been performed for thousands of years, with juggling and acrobatics recorded in Egypt as far back as 2500BC. The ancient Romans and Greeks had funambulists, or rope dancers, where performers would represent famous characters while balancing on a tightrope, but how do these jumps, tricks and acrobatics work?
The everyday job of a tightrope walker involves being high up, with just a thin piece of cable between you and the ground. It’s a long way down, and the slightest breath of wind might topple you off the wire, but a little knowledge of science can make it easier. Understanding the forces at play on your body can help you pull off the trick successfully, and get a massive round of applause.
This story is from the Issue 60 edition of The Week Junior Science+Nature UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 60 edition of The Week Junior Science+Nature UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Camera Obscura
Imagine stepping inside a dark room, where the only source of light comes through one small hole in the wall.
MANCHESTER SCIENCE FESTIVAL
From 18-27 October, shoppers at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester, England, will face a giant spider.
Should musicians stop touring?
Multiple concerts travelling around the world have a big impact on the environment.
Are ghosts real?
Plenty of people believe in ghosts, but it's hard to find proof.
SMASH STEREOTYPES
In an extract from his prize-winning book, scientist and writer Adam Rutherford shows you how to use the power of science to fight racism. This chapter, titled Myth-Busting, is all about sport.
Animal awareness
What would it feel like to be another animal?
Hamza Yassin
Go behind the camera with a wildlife filmmaker.
WILDLIFE WATCH
Ben Hoare goes on a safari from his sofa to discover how nature documentaries are made.
Big bum breakthrough
A team of researchers who found out that mammals can breathe through their bottoms have won a prize at the lg Nobel awards.
A jaw-dropping undersea snap
A photograph of a Bryde's whale feeding on a heart-shaped \"bait ball\" of sardines has won the Ocean Photographer of the Year contest.
