December 11, 2015

The Ever-Moving North Pole (Why Santa has to Move Every Year)

December 11, 2015/ Bruce Science

Santa Claus famously lives and works at the North Pole, but which North Pole? There are actually two North Poles of the Earth. One is the Geographic North Pole. This pole is aligned (but not exactly) with the rotational axis of the Earth and is the northernmost place on maps. The second North Pole is the Magnetic North Pole, the location that compasses will point to as north. If Santa wanted to keep his home on the Magnetic North Pole he’d have a hard time of it. Magnetic North is always moving.

November 25, 2015

The Science of Thanksgiving

November 25, 2015/ Bruce Science

When you think about Thanksgiving, science is probably not the first thing that comes into your mind. It seems much more aligned with history, and of course, the culinary arts. However, beneath the eating and thanking, there’s a lot to be learned!

October 27, 2015

How Corn Created Dracula

October 27, 2015/ Bruce Science

Late October is a fine time to curl up with a mug of hot cider and watch a favorite horror movie, possibly involving a terrifying marauding beast. Monster movies have a long history and the legend of the vampire has inspired enduring fascination. This cultural interest can be traced back to the novel Dracula. Dracula was not the first time a vampire appeared in literature, but it’s truly the book that established vampires as a horror staple. The question is, where did the author Bram Stoker gain inspiration for the vampiric flaws and habits of Dracula? The origins may be surprising.