Longest Running Science Demonstration

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

It's here in the University of Queensland. It's been going for 85 years so far.
You can even watch it online.
Though the last bit of action actually happened while the camera was offline. LOL
http://www.popsci.com.au/science/fyi...lab-experiment

http://smp.uq.edu.au/content/pitch-drop-experiment

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Well I did see someone looking in the display case.

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Without looking at the link, would that be something to do with a super cooled liquid or was it pitch

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Pitch at room temperature.

[DavidU (Dave)]

Thanks to this stuff we can enjoy nicely figured mirrors & lenses.

[koputai (Jason)]

The webcam seems to be down at the moment! Help! I don't want to miss the next drop!!!

What a great thing to keep going. It might help to show the latest generations that you can't always have instant gratification, some things just take time.

Cheers,
Jason.

[sheeny (Al)]

Waiting for the pitch to drop is like waiting for Eta Carina to go supernova in fast forward!



Very cool demonstration.

Al.

[leon]

Cool experiment I reckon, it would be good to see a drop actually fall.

A good punishment for some naughty people, "Now you sit and watch this, and record the moment a droplet falls"

Leon

[Ric]

A great article and experiment.

The live feed seemed to be down though.

[BakerStreet (Allan)]

If you like this lookup The Beverly Clock and the Oxford Bell. These have been running in their physics departments for much longer.

[DavidTrap (David)]

Originally Posted by BakerStreet

If you like this lookup The Beverly Clock and the Oxford Bell. These have been running in their physics departments for much longer.

The web references to both of those experiments suggest some interruptions.

(thanks for pointing them out though - interesting reading)

DT

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Could you count this as an experiment in planned obsolescence? It's been going for 110 years.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Woaw! this makes watching paint dry really exciting ...
But still interesting , 85 years is a long time , looks like at least another 200 yrs worth of pitch left ? well done .
Brian.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Thanks Andrew, I'd forgotten all about those light globes.
Makes you think doesn't it. Makes me think angry thoughts.

[RobF (Rob)]

I actually remember seeing this many years ago at a Uni open day. Fascinating really (said with a single arched eyebrow....)