What is the Magnus Effect? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains...

What is the Magnus Effect? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore the physics and aerodynamics of a spinning ball. How does a rising fastball work? We discuss this perplexing phenomenon in baseball: Is the ball actually rising? Learn about how the height of the pitcher’s mound and the height of the pitcher impact the game. How does spin impact the atmosphere around it? Discover the Magnus Effect and the aerodynamics behind tricky pitches like curveballs and knuckleballs. Plus, a new pitch called the “Chuck Speed” pitch. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - Rising Fastball 1:20 - Pitchers 4:09 - Curveball Physics 5:33 - Magnuson Effect 8:20 - Subverting Batter Expectations 10:30 - Sinking Fastball 11:34 - Chuck Speed Pitch 12:07 - Fast Pitches 13:37 - Knuckleball 15:37 - Closing Notes