James' giant peach would actually need 2,425,907 seagulls

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Euler's historical approach to mathematics is referenced in relation to a modern analysis by physics students at the University of Leicester, who calculated that 2,425,907 seagulls would be required to lift the Giant Peach from Roald Dahl's story, significantly more than the 501 seagulls mentioned in the book. This calculation was part of a scientific paper inspired by the beloved children's tale. The discussion also touches on the precision of the estimate, with some expressing disappointment over the use of seven significant figures. Additionally, there is a humorous nod to the classic question about the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, alongside a comment on the potential evolution of the concept of a "small house" since the 1960s and a mention of a similar theme in a Japanese legend.
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I remember reading in Men of Math that Euler used to do stuff like this, like when he read about an anchor in the Aenid

Roald Dahl may famously have written that it took 501 seagulls to help James fly the Giant Peach – but a group of physics students have concluded that the actual figure would be a lot more.

Calculations by Emily Jane Watkinson, Maria-Theresia Walach, Daniel Staab and Zach Rogerson show a total of 2,425,907 seagulls would be needed to lift the peach into the air.

The University of Leicester fourth year physics students were inspired to use the childhood tale, which has delighted youngsters across the world since it was first published in the 1960s, as the basis for a scientific paper.

The story sees a young boy named James embarking on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean on a magical peach, the size of a small house.
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-University-study-disproves-Giant-Peach/story-17740735-detail/story.html
 
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I'm saddened that such an estimate was given to 7 significant figures. Fourth-year physics students should know better.
 
I'm still wondering about the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.

African or European?

Aaarrghhhhh!

I'll let myself out ..
 
Maybe their calculation of a "small house" was small to today's standards, and not by 60s standards
 
The Giant Peach idea was stolen from a popular Japanese legend.
 

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