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

What is the Coriolis Effect? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore the movement in Earth’s atmosphere and how hurricanes work. Could you launch a rocket through the eye of a storm?

Learn about how rotating objects impact things on their surfaces. How do winds turn into storms? We explore high-pressure and low-pressure systems. Where do the fastest clouds come from? How does the eye of the hurricane form? Finally, discover how the Coriolis Effect might make you win or lose a football game based on your stadium's orientation.

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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!

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[jag]

Loving this explainer, especially when it deals with meteorology - something I enjoy. A little 'explainer' on high pressure systems. They are in fact associated with clear skies but the wind is not really about the high pressure system itself per se. It's nature's/the earth's balance at work. These winds are due to the high pressure winds going towards a low pressure area. It's the difference in pressure that causes the wind. The closer & stronger that low pressure system is, the stronger the wind. You can see/experience this right after a cold front passage - especially if the front passage is a "dry" one. (No precip/storms). It'll be hella windy as the front moves through but as the front moves away, the wind subsides. For those that didn't know and want an interesting tidbit... If you put your back to the wind, low pressure will ALWAYS be to your left (northern hemisphere). 🤓

[ericchild]

I totally remember that game and yes, the general public went nuts regarding your statement. It was also possible that there were some wind gusts also having an impact on the kicked ball as well as some outright sheer luck, too. Thanks for your breakdown of one of my favorite things I learned in Physical Geography at the U of I back in the day. Love it.

[mattevans-koch]

Always something to learn or reinforce your knowledge of with these three gentlemen. Thank you all.

[mrobsoletex]

I haven’t heard Neil mention this, but when shooting very long distances, you have to take into account not only the distance and wind, but you have to actually account for the Coriolis effect.

That’s what I think about whenever I hear someone talking about it

[Gordon_L]

The best thing about the coriolis effect is that it puts flat earthers heads into a spin 😀

[HydroSedigi]

Humorous as always! Keep it up Star Talkers!

[kennygreening]

This was a good video Neil! I’m a meteorologist and everything you said was obviously correct. Fun addition to your explanation, the Coriolis “force” is a term in the equations of motion relevant to our atmosphere. These equations are imputed in to our numerical weather prediction models that we use as a tool for guidance.

[curioustraveler]

You guys are funny and awesome! Learn something new every time.

[Denosophem]

Y’all bring me so much smiles and happiness! I’d love to be part of your teams

[musingsbymarco]

It finally clicked for me! I understand low pressure systems and why along with the earth's rotation they cause storms now. Great explanation!

[Skymannot]

Ow! How I wish I was in Professor Tyson classes, this man is an exceptional educator. Thanks Doc.

[elysiumdevice]

Thank you personally for all these vivid, concise, and wonderful explanations of universal inner workings. Sir, you are a great and legendary American physicists and father figure. I love the eureka moments, and hope it goes on forever! much love and respect.

[cyndicorinne]

Great explanation of the Coriolis effect!

[AceSpadeThePikachu]

Jupiter, being so much bigger than Earth and rotating so much faster must naturally have an absolutely monstrous Coriolis effect, which might partially explain why its atmosphere is so unimaginably turbulent. Though internal heating no doubt plays a big factor too.

[SteveC]

I hope you guys never stop doing these! I enjoy them so much 😊

[stipe]

Where I live in South Croatia we have a situation where you have a high pressure system over central Europe and cold air builds up behind dinaric mountain's and than we have this situation where that air falls over the mountains and its actually quite violent and gusty, we call that wind Bura, there are actually two types of Bura and one is clear day anticyclone Bura and other is Cyclone Bura, strongest one is in situation when in southern Adriatic sea there is a Cyclone and in continental Europe there is a strong Siberian Anticyclone or a "Branch" of Siberian high pressure system.

[Taleb]

The Coriolis effect can be a little difficult to get your head around .. Dr Tyson, once again makes the difficult accessible to all .. love his work to the end of time.

[nikolapharcyde]

Thank you for ALL that you have done for science. I've learned so much more from you guys than I did in school many years ago. You guys make learning science fun!

[Crowski]

Omg guys. Neil is 63! I’m SHOCKED!! I thought he was 45!! he looks amazing!!!!

[janusjensen]

Fun fact.
Go to 12:00 and listen to Neil deGrasse Tyson explaining how the coriolis effect influenced on an American football game. 🙂