Have you seen pictures and videos of people taking part in the “broomstick challenge?”
- "Broomstick challenge" takes Internet by storm
- Turns out, you just need the right broom!
It’s the latest viral craze to ‘sweep’ the Internet, as folks look to make a broom stand up on its own.
Rumors spread on social media that it was possible because of a change to the earth’s gravitational pull or axis.
We spoke with St. Petersburg College Professor Bruce McClintock about this supposed phenomenon.
“It’s true that you can stand a broom up when the planets are aligned. It is also true that you can stand a broom up by itself during the equinox. It’s also true during any other day of the year,” McClintock said.
That’s right: there’s northing special about the Earth’s axis right now.
“We’re pointed at the North Star. That hasn’t changed,” McClintock said.
This challenge has actually popped up online before.
While it’s false, there may be some good in folks out doing their own science experiments.
“There’s some talk about the science,” McClintock said. “I hope people will do their own research and learn more about it. Try to stand up a broom. But then try to understand why it’s happening.”
It turns out you may just need the right broom.