Egging On the Autumnal Equinox
Explanation:
Tomorrow is the
autumnal
equinox -- should
eggs be able to stand on end?
This long-standing
myth loses much of its mystique after a demonstration
that
eggs can be made to stand on end during any day of the year.
Pictured above, Dr. Phil Plait, acting as the
Bad Astronomer balanced three raw
eggs on end in late October 1998.
Later, more modestly, his wife balanced five more.
The little-appreciated fact that most eggshells have
small bumps on them makes this
seemingly impossible task achievable.
Although, during an
equinox,
every place on Earth experiences an
equal
length day and night (12 hours each), this fact has no practical effect on
egg stability.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
