Science Stuff

Levitating Trains

Did you know some trains can float? Yeah, seriously—like, no wheels, no tracks, just hovering above the ground, zooming along at over 300 miles per hour. It’s not sci-fi—it’s called Maglev (short for magnetic levitation), and it’s already happening in places like Japan and China. These trains don’t even touch the tracks. Instead, they use some wild tech involving superconductors and magnets to glide through the air at crazy speeds. Sound futuristic? It totally is, and it might just be the future of travel. Here’s how these floating trains work and why they’re so cool.

The Superconductor Secret

The key to Maglev trains is a material called a superconductor. When cooled to super low temperatures (we’re talking -450°F, colder than deep space), these materials lose all electrical resistance. That’s huge because it means electricity can flow through them endlessly without losing any energy as heat.

But the real magic happens when you combine a superconductor with a magnet. Superconductors expel magnetic fields, which creates a force strong enough to lift a train off its tracks. This force is called the Meissner effect, and it’s what makes these trains levitate, hovering just inches above the rail.

Zero Friction = High Speed

Without physical contact with the tracks, there’s no friction slowing these trains down. So, Maglevs can hit insane speeds—Japan’s fastest Maglev holds the record at 374 mph. Imagine traveling from NYC to Washington D.C. in under an hour. That’s the future Maglev trains promise.

Plus, no friction means minimal wear and tear on the train and the tracks, which translates to less maintenance and longer-lasting infrastructure. It’s not just fast—it’s efficient.

Magnetic Propulsion: The Push and Pull

So how do these levitating beasts actually move? It’s all about magnets. The train is equipped with powerful magnets on its underside, while the track has magnets arranged to pull the train forward. By flipping the polarity of the magnets in front of and behind the train, it creates a push-pull effect that rockets the train forward.

Think of it like playing with toy magnets. When you bring two like poles (say, two north ends) together, they push apart. When you flip one magnet to bring opposite poles together, they attract. Maglev trains harness that same principle, but on a massive scale, to propel them at jaw-dropping speeds.

The Future of Travel?

Maglev technology is already up and running in places like Japan and China, but it’s still pretty rare elsewhere. Why? Because building the infrastructure is expensive—like, billions of dollars expensive. But as technology improves and costs drop, Maglev trains could become a common sight, transforming how we travel long distances. Imagine being able to skip the hassle of airports, long security lines, and traffic jams, and instead, just float your way to your destination.

In the race to build faster, greener, and more efficient transportation, Maglev is definitely one to watch.

Want to dive a little deeper into Maglev Trains? Check this video out. 

Also if you haven’t seen Bullet Train - what the hell? It RULES.

Building of the Week

Hagia Sophia - Istanbul, Turkey

Constructed in 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia stood as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. Its name, “Hagia Sophia,” translates to “Holy Wisdom” in Greek, symbolizing its dedication to the divine wisdom of God.

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque, adding Islamic features like minarets, a mihrab, and calligraphic medallions. In 1935, under the secular reforms of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it was transformed into a museum, a status it held until 2020.

Take a look around the Hagia Sophia for yourself.

Learn Something

How to Find The North Star

Ever been out camping with your buddies, staring up at the night sky, and someone asks, "Hey, which one's the North Star?" And you, being the guy with all the answers (or at least pretending to be), decide to take on the challenge. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re the dude who always knows where North is.

Step 1: Locate the Big Dipper

The easiest way to find the North Star is to first spot the Big Dipper, a constellation that looks like a giant ladle (or an even more giant saucepan if you're fancy). The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major, and it’s probably one of the easiest star formations to recognize. You’ll usually find it high in the northern sky, and depending on the time of year, it might be upside down or sideways.

Step 2: Draw an Imaginary Line

Once you’ve got the Big Dipper in your sights, focus on the outer edge of the "bowl" (the two stars farthest from the handle). These are called Dubhe and Merak. Now, draw an imaginary line connecting these two stars and extend that line upwards in the sky—about five times the distance between Dubhe and Merak. At the end of that line, you’ll spot a moderately bright star. That’s Polaris, also known as the North Star.

Step 3: Confirm It’s Polaris

Okay, so you've found the North Star (Polaris), but how do you confirm it's the real deal and not just some random star? First off, Polaris is not the brightest star in the sky, but it's steady. The key thing about Polaris is that it stays in roughly the same spot all year round. It marks true north because it’s aligned with Earth’s rotational axis. No matter where the other stars go, Polaris stays put.

Also, Polaris is part of another constellation called Ursa Minor, or the Little Dipper. If you can spot the Little Dipper, Polaris is at the tip of its handle. Boom—confirmation.

Step 4: Use It for Navigation

Now that you’ve locked onto Polaris, you’ve got your bearings. If you’re facing the North Star, you’re facing due north. East will be on your right, west on your left, and south behind you. Simple, right? This technique has been used by sailors, adventurers, and explorers for centuries—now you can use it too.

Fun Fact

Here’s a cool tidbit to impress your friends: Polaris hasn’t always been the North Star, and it won’t be forever! Earth’s axis wobbles over thousands of years (a process called axial precession), so eventually, another star will take its place. But don’t worry—that won’t happen for another 13,000 years. So, for now, you’re safe using it as your stellar guide.

Check out the live feed for the International Space Station.

Photo of the Week