- #1
Hyperspace2
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whats the physics for flag waving at moon at apollo11?
Flag Waving Physics at Apollo 11 Moon Landing
- Thread starter Hyperspace2
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The discussion centers on the physics of the American flag waving during the Apollo 11 moon landing. Participants clarify that NASA engineers designed the flag with a horizontal pole at the top to maintain its appearance since there is no wind on the moon. The flag appeared to wave as astronauts positioned it, and it continued to move due to the lack of air resistance. References to conspiracy theories about the moon landing are dismissed, with a mention of a Mythbusters episode that explored related topics. The conversation briefly diverges into admiration for the set design used in lighting tests and a lighthearted comment about an astronaut's experience with the flag.
- #2
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NASA scientists are actually quite a bright bunch of people and knew that there would be no wind on the moon (hence no flag waving) so they build the flag pole with pole running through the top of the flag to hold it up. As the astronauts moved the flag pole into position the flag would wave about and without any wind resistance continued to do so for some time.
Number 5 on the environment section of the wikipedia page on the moon landing conspiracy provides the answer along with every other debunk.
Number 5 on the environment section of the wikipedia page on the moon landing conspiracy provides the answer along with every other debunk.
- #3
Hyperspace2
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ok thanks
- #4
Jimmy Snyder
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Does this help?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMBCfuKs9i8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMBCfuKs9i8
- #5
Pengwuino
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Mythbusters never went to the moon.
- #6
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Pengwuino said:
That's a conspiracy theory.
- #7
MartinJH
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ryan_m_b said:
Going off topic a little, the set they built when they tested for lighting and shadows was ^%$*@## brilliant, would love to of been a kid when they done that. Also Kari byron is super hot.
- #8
I like Serena
Science Advisor
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MHB
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Actually, I don't think the flag would be waving, since Aldrin mentioned it fell over during take-off! 
(See e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11)
(See e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11)