Zero gravity for Newton’s tree
12 May 2010 by Evoluted New Media
A piece of Newton’s apple tree – the tree which inspired the scientist to formulate his theory of gravity – is being sent into space to experience zero gravity.
A piece of Newton’s apple tree – the tree which inspired the scientist to formulate his theory of gravity – is being sent into space to experience zero gravity.
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Part of the tree which inspired Newton's theory of gravity is to go into space |
The section of wood has been entrusted to British-born astronaut Piers Sellers by the Royal Society as part of their 350th anniversary celebrations. An image of Sir Isaac Newton – a former president of the Royal Society – will accompany the artefact on NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis on 14th May.
“We’re delighted to take this piece of Newton’s apple tree to orbit. While it’s up there, it will be experiencing no gravity, so if it had an apple on it, the apple wouldn’t fall,” said Sellers, “I’m pretty sure that Sir Isaac would have loved to see this, assuming he wasn’t spacesick, as it would have proved his first law of motion to be correct.”
“We are both pleased and proud that such an extraordinary part of scientific history and important element of the Royal Society’s archive collection can make this historic trip into space,” said president Martin Rees.
After the flight, the piece of tree and the picture will be returned to the Royal Society where they will form part of an exhibition on the history of The Society before becoming an permanent fixture at the Society.
