Welcome to my explorations of the natural world, all through the lens of physics. How are broccoli and image analysis connected, or pollination and electric shocks? Read on!
Recent posts:
This is Why … Ducklings Form Single-File Flotillas Behind Mumma
This adorable example of everyday physics took me entirely by surprise. We’ve all seen a sweet little floating parade in the springtime at our local river or pond, with a mumma duck or goose followed closely by a line of babies paddling quickly to keep up. But I never really noticed that the spacings ofContinue reading “This is Why … Ducklings Form Single-File Flotillas Behind Mumma”
This is Why … My Zen Space Sometimes Smells Like Cotton Candy
(Alt text – A cotton candy vendor walking under the forest canopy during a morning in Bardiya National Park in Nepal, light filtering through the canopy. By Gaurav Aryal, Shutterstock.com) Like everyone else, the start of the new school year has been incredibly stressful for me. Going for walks in the arboretum on campus has beenContinue reading “This is Why … My Zen Space Sometimes Smells Like Cotton Candy”
This is Why … Geese Are Yoga Gurus
(An ashy-headed goose demonstrating its exceptional balancing ability; image from Shutterstock.com) The other day I spent some time exploring the “arm” at Guelph Lake, curious to see how far up the Speed River I could get in my kayak before bottoming out. (Turns out, not very far. Water shoes would have been a good idea.Continue reading “This is Why … Geese Are Yoga Gurus”
This is Why … Falling on the Ice May Have Saved My Life
On an icy cold morning at the end of February, I tentatively headed down the slope behind our house, on my way out for some daily exercise. As I stepped off a retaining wall down to the walkway below, my foot went right out from under me and I crashed down, hard. The small of my back came down on the edge of the six-inch high concrete step as the rest of me landed on the lower level − I experienced the most intense pain I have ever felt. And that includes the drug-free labour and delivery of our first child.
This Is Why … Rainbows Have Nothing to Hide
A few weeks ago during dinner there was a sudden burst of sunlight in the midst of a rain shower. Knowing that these were ideal rainbow-making conditions, we jumped up from the table and ran out to investigate. Sacrificing our meal was entirely worth it: this photo was taken just a few hundred metres downContinue reading “This Is Why … Rainbows Have Nothing to Hide”
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About the author:
I’m Joanne O’Meara, a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Guelph. I’ve been teaching university-level physics for more than 20 years and doing public outreach for even longer! My passion for teaching and learning has been recognized with many awards, including the Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2011) and a 3M National Teaching Fellowship award (2019). I’m always looking for ways to share the amazing world of physics – you can also follow me on Twitter (@NeutronJo). Thanks for visiting!
Proudly part of the vibrant Canada-wide community of science writers and communicators known as Science Borealis!
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