What originally got you interested in physics?

[Fig Neutron]

I originally became interested in physics in 9th grade. I had a really good science book and access to Wikipedia. Math and science have always been my two favorite subjects in school, and physics seemed like a good balance of the two. I researched the subjected and began impressing my friends with terms I didn't even understand.

Ok, if we're being honest here, a scifi television show might have played a role in getting me started, but that's not the only thing.

So my question is what got you interested in physics. Whether you have always enjoyed it, something in school got you interested, a good book on the subject, or if you watched Star Trek as a kid, here is your chance to tell your story.

 

[George Jones]

So my question is what got you interested in physics.

I was born in 1960, and the space race in 60s captured my attention as a kid. This led to an interest in astronomy, which, in turn, led to to an interest in physics and maths. The 60s Star Trek TOS certainly helped. I am now going through the DVDs for TOS with my 11-year-old daughter, and she loves it.

 

[Dr.D]

When I was in junior high school (early 1950s), a group of radiologists in my town decided that they would offer some evening classes in basic physics (I have no idea to this day what their motivation was). I learned about Newton's second law and the CGS units system, all of which was fascinating to me. Later, when I started college (late 1950's) my first physics course was classical mechanics, and I loved it. I've been doing this same stuff ever since.

 

[Richie Smash]

I love the universe, anything to do with astronomy, stars dark matter etc, I just like discovering new things, also I do find chemistry rather hard xD