How was it proved that gravitation was a function of mass? [more inside]
posted by Lorc on Jul 6, 2009 - 10 answers

Would it be possible to have a planet with significantly more surface area than the earth and similar gravity (at ground level) by decreasing its density? [more inside]
posted by blue_beetle on Jun 18, 2009 - 5 answers

With the advent of NASA's return to the moon I have a question of whether or not The Apollo astronauts could have recovered from a less than perfect landing. [more inside]
posted by Gungho on Jun 18, 2009 - 19 answers

Fictional gravity: Let's say I was the complete master of all things gravity and I wanted to hurl a person into the sun. [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell on Apr 15, 2009 - 41 answers

If my working desk were in space, would I still experience tensions in my back? [more inside]
posted by jfricke on Mar 23, 2009 - 8 answers

What is the contradiction in the discussion of gravitational forces in the ... [more inside]
posted by woodblock100 on Jan 17, 2009 - 26 answers

If the earth's gravity was increased by 10%, would sprint runners be slower or faster? [more inside]
posted by IvyMike on Aug 25, 2008 - 49 answers

Would Tai Chi work in outer space? [more inside]
posted by nímwunnan on Aug 5, 2008 - 6 answers

What are those things called that you see on badge clips and rock climbing walls that automatically retract a nylon cord? [more inside]
posted by ostranenie on May 21, 2008 - 10 answers

Why is the Big Bang possible? [more inside]
posted by Bonzai on Feb 20, 2008 - 24 answers

You know the playground trick whereby four of you can "levitate" a fifth person using just your fingertips (you first hold your hands over his head and count to 20)? How does that work, then?
posted by bonaldi on Nov 21, 2007 - 20 answers

How would a metal bar built around the world react to gravity? [more inside]
posted by studentbaker on Nov 1, 2007 - 36 answers

Imagine a world in which the atmospheric density is somewhat greater than ours, but gravity is somewhat lower. How might our experience be different on that world? [more inside]
posted by Ritchie on Jan 8, 2007 - 16 answers

Does gravity make small pools of water curve slightly (I’m thinking a small lake size) or is surface tension enough to flatten it out? More importantly - how would I calculate whether the resistance from the surface tension is enough to keep it flat and when/what size that breaks off? [more inside]
posted by Smedleyman on Oct 11, 2006 - 19 answers

Has anyone ever had sex in space? [more inside]
posted by blueplasticfish on Sep 22, 2006 - 41 answers

Why do videogames with physics simulation always have things fall too slowly? [more inside]
posted by terpsichoria on Apr 25, 2006 - 16 answers

If General Relativity is accepted as true, why do Physicists talk about (and look for) Gravitons? [more inside]
posted by grahamwell on Mar 28, 2006 - 14 answers

Gravity/Life/SocietyFilter: So the Earth is all lumpy, with more or less gravity in some places. Has anyone ever corroborated it with life/social/world things? Many questions inside... [more inside]
posted by amberglow on Feb 18, 2006 - 33 answers

How does this work? [more inside]
posted by ~rschram on Mar 10, 2005 - 15 answers

Science hour question: My niece asked me this and I didn't have a good answer. People in orbit around the earth are "weightless." But what would happen if an object in space were kept stationary at 150-200 miles up? Would an astronaut in such a stationary but very high station in fact feel significant gravity? Is "weightlessness" (in near-Earth space) an artifact of a free-fall orbit? C'mon rocket scientists, I know you're out there.
posted by socratic on Dec 12, 2004 - 20 answers

ScientificIlliterateFilter: If the sun's gravity is so strong as to keep whole planets circling it in orbit (even ones million of miles away), how come light and heat (incredibly fragile things compared to planets) can escape as rays (or whatever they are)?
posted by amberglow on Nov 14, 2004 - 53 answers