PHYS 108: Descriptive Astronomy

Join us on the baseball field as we calculate the physics of a ground ball throw to second base. In this video, we determine the distance from the shortstop to the second baseman and the vertical drop of the ball. Explore the principles of projectile motion in sports.

Journey to the outer reaches of our solar system with a captivating exploration of Sedna, the most distant-known object discovered in 2003. This enigmatic celestial body boasts a 1700 km diameter, a 10,500-year orbit around the sun, and a maximum speed of 4.64 km/s. Join us as we delve into the calculations of its elliptical orbit, its minimum speed, and the intriguing variations in its kinetic energy. Uncover the mysteries of Sedna's motion in this educational video.

Join us as we unravel the incredible journey of a shearwater seabird in an astonishing experiment. This remarkable bird was taken from its nest, flown 5150 kilometers away, and then successfully found its way back home 13.5 days later. We explore the concept of average velocity for both the return flight and the entire episode, shedding light on the bird's navigation prowess. Discover the fascinating world of animal navigation and physics in this captivating video.

Join us in a lunar leap! We estimate how gravity affects jumping distance on the Moon compared to Earth, with the same takeoff speed and angle. Explore the moon's reduced gravity and its impact on human capabilities.

Explore the physics of a tennis ball hitting a wall and its momentum changes. Learn about the original momentum, changes, and the concept of reference objects in this engaging video.

Discover the dynamics of a commercial jet takeoff in this video! We explore tire rotation speed, centripetal acceleration, and a bacterium's grip on the rim. Dive into physics and microscopic forces, all while considering weight ratios.