scienceFeb 7, 202412:25pending
After 20 Years, This Scientist Uncovered The Physics Behind The Spiral Pass
About this episode
If you've ever watched part of a professional football game, you've probably seen a tight spiral pass. Those perfect throws where the football leaves the player's hand and neatly spins as it arcs through the air.
But those passes? They seem to defy fundamental physics. And for a long time, scientists couldn't figure out exactly why — until experimental atomic physicist Tim Gay cracked the case just a few years ago. His answer comes after two decades of hobby research and more than a couple late night shouting matches with two other physicists over Zoom.
Today on Short Wave, host Regina G. Barber talks to Tim about this football mystery — and the physics behind the game.
Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
But those passes? They seem to defy fundamental physics. And for a long time, scientists couldn't figure out exactly why — until experimental atomic physicist Tim Gay cracked the case just a few years ago. His answer comes after two decades of hobby research and more than a couple late night shouting matches with two other physicists over Zoom.
Today on Short Wave, host Regina G. Barber talks to Tim about this football mystery — and the physics behind the game.
Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Get every episode summarized
Each time Short Wave publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Short Wave
A new investigation shows heat is even deadlier than we thought
Short Wave
Sep 4, 202614:45completed
The science of emotional regulation — and how to do it better
Short Wave
Sep 2, 202612:29pending
What can seashells teach us about the health of our oceans?
Short Wave
Sep 1, 202613:10pending
Football is here – and so is a new study on CTE
Short Wave
Aug 31, 202615:01pending