2,000 Ping Pong Balls in Zero Gravity [Video]

Science Bob and 30 other teachers launched 2,000 ping pong balls in zero gravity as part of Northrup Grumman Foundation’s Weightless Flights of Discovery program. Also joining us was Kerry Sanders of the Today Show. Weightless flight is accomplished by flying in parabolas in reserved airspace aboard a modified 727 aircraft. Each weightless experience lasts about 30 seconds.

[Science Bob]








8 Responses to 2,000 Ping Pong Balls in Zero Gravity [Video]

  2. Well technically it is not zero-g. The gravity is slightly less than at sea level. This is actually just falling at the same rate the pane is diving. Same goes for when one is in orbit. You are not at zero-g, actually you weigh about 10% less than at sea level, but you just are in constant free-fall and keep missing the planet.

    • The effect is achieved through the apex of the parabolic arc not as they are diving. The effect is in fact a simulation of 0g because of the plane is in the process of rising while the nose is down in a zero lift angle of attack. The effect has nothing to do with falling at the same rate as the plane at all.the process of diving actually ends the effect it doesn't cause it.

      • You are right, I should not have used the word "dive" – falling is correct, the use of diving infers a downward angle of the nose. The point is you are in free-fall, gravity is very much working on you and the plane is just protecting you from the buffeting of air currents and resistance.

        But using the word "Simulation" of Zero-G is right, as you are still very much under the affects of the Earths gravity.

  3. Not enough Ping-pong balls, too many bodies…anyway, I would pay all that money I don't actually have to be one of those 'bodies' :-000

  4. Um, did the author miss the almost-constant, self-effacing Star Trek and McGuyver jokes? Seems to me that Stargate Universe's problem was that it was way too much a "BSG" style soap opera with scifi gilding, not that it was too "Star Trek".