Rhett Allain

Rhett Allain

Creator
0 followers

Physics professor and writer translating everyday physics, instrumentation, and problem‑solving; frequent course/playlist resources.

Driving Faster Saves Time, Costs More Gas
SocialMay 9, 2026

Driving Faster Saves Time, Costs More Gas

Here’s a real world application of physics. How much time do you save by driving faster and how much more do you spend in gas?

By Rhett Allain
Comprehensive Star Wars Physics Archive—Update Requests Welcome
SocialMay 4, 2026

Comprehensive Star Wars Physics Archive—Update Requests Welcome

Here is my giant list of #starwars #physics posts for #starwarsday. Some of these are old and decayed. If you see one you really want fixed, let me know. https://rhettallain.com/2017/03/19/science-fiction-physics/

By Rhett Allain
University Refuses Retirement Bonus, Citing Cheaper Low Salary
SocialApr 20, 2026

University Refuses Retirement Bonus, Citing Cheaper Low Salary

HR at my university sometimes sends out retirement incentive plans. The one they sent me basically says "you make less than the average starting salary for an assistant professor, so we won't give you a package - it would...

By Rhett Allain
Orbiting Needs Speed, Not Height: Artemis II Curve Explained
SocialApr 16, 2026

Orbiting Needs Speed, Not Height: Artemis II Curve Explained

Why does the @nasa Artemis II curve so much on launch? Getting into orbit is more about going fast than going up. For low Earth orbit, it's over 80 percent kinetic energy. https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMmMxrAOtJ/?img_index=1

By Rhett Allain
People Question Need for AI-Generated Artemis Images
SocialApr 11, 2026

People Question Need for AI-Generated Artemis Images

I don't understand why there are AI photos from Artemis. I mean, the real pictures are super awesome - there's just no reason for fake. Is there?

By Rhett Allain
Jules Verne's Moon‑Earth Neutral Point: Surprisingly Accurate?
SocialApr 3, 2026

Jules Verne's Moon‑Earth Neutral Point: Surprisingly Accurate?

In the book From the Earth to the Moon, Jules Verne calculates the "neutral point" of gravity based on the density of Earth and Moon. His location was 47/60th the way there. Was he right? https://www.instagram.com/p/DWpIDBgAJuq/

By Rhett Allain
University Forces Safety Quiz, Denies Ergonomic Upgrades
SocialApr 2, 2026

University Forces Safety Quiz, Denies Ergonomic Upgrades

University required quarterly safety training: be careful when using a computer. If you don't have a proper desk, you will hurt yourself. Click this quiz to acknowledge. me: Oh, I need a better desk and chair to improve ergonomics. University:...

By Rhett Allain
ISS Sections Experience Varying Accelerations Despite Uniform Weightlessness
SocialApr 2, 2026

ISS Sections Experience Varying Accelerations Despite Uniform Weightlessness

My first answer is no. It’s different weightless at Lagrange point and orbit - but you would never feel the difference. In orbit, different parts of ISS have different orbits technically and thus different acceleration. Same is tru near L1,...

By Rhett Allain
Understanding EM Wave Reflection, Refraction, and Brewster’s Angle
SocialMar 31, 2026

Understanding EM Wave Reflection, Refraction, and Brewster’s Angle

New #electrodynamics #physics video - looking at reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves. Snell's law and Brewster's angle. https://youtu.be/_dFKj6OE05I

By Rhett Allain