Dr Karl (Kruszelnicki)

[Aschenbach]

Are there any fans of this guy's science forums on BBC radio and ABC Austrailia? I think they're really entertaining and would recommend them to anyone. I'm also trying to find his books. I've 'borrowed' a couple the recent questions if you've any thoughts.

1) If Jupiter is made of gas can you fly through it?

2) What way does water go down the plug above the equator?

3) Can you bend a laser beam?

[Loosehead]

1) No, as the Gas gets denser and denser under gravity. The gas would be a very Dense liquid, possibly even solid towards the centre.

2) The opposite way to below, this is only reliable toward the poles. Nearer the equator you can get the water to go down the wrong way by stiring your finger as the rotational force you are referring to is so weak.

3) Yes, light can be bent, ie curved by Gravity.This was famously verified during a total eclipse best part of a century ago, confirmed Einstiens prediction at the time.

[GuavaHalf]

Loosehead -- urban myth alert!!!!!

No (2) is an urban myth. see http://www.snopes.com/science/coriolis.htm

[Loosehead]

That's really what I said, I know it's neglegable, hence the bit with the finger.