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Related Concept Videos

Potential Due to a Polarized Object01:29

Potential Due to a Polarized Object

A neutral atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by a negatively charged electron cloud. When placed in an external electric field, the external electric force pulls the electrons and nucleus apart, opposite to the intrinsic attraction between the nucleus and the electrons. The opposing forces balance each other with a slight shift between the center of masses of the nucleus and the electron cloud, resulting in a polarized atom. On the other hand, a few molecules, like water,...
Prismatic Beams: Problem Solving01:15

Prismatic Beams: Problem Solving

In the design of a supported timber beam subjected to a distributed load, both the beam's physical dimensions and the timber's characteristics, such as its grade and species, are critical. These factors determine the allowable stress values, which are crucial for calculating the necessary beam depth to ensure structural integrity and safety.
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the designer...
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling01:26

Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling

During leveling, the Earth's curvature and atmospheric refraction introduce deviations in the line of sight from a true horizontal reference. When the line of sight is leveled, it remains perpendicular to the plumb line only at a single point. Beyond this, it deviates due to the Earth’s curvature, represented by the correction C. For a sight distance D, the deviation can be derived using the relationship:This relationship shows that the deviation increases quadratically with distance. Over a...
Magnetic Declination01:19

Magnetic Declination

Magnetic declination is the angle between true north, which aligns with the Earth's rotational axis, and magnetic north, which follows the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. This discrepancy exists because the magnetic poles do not coincide with the geographic poles. The value of magnetic declination depends on the observer's location on Earth and is subject to changes over time due to the dynamic nature of the Earth's magnetic field.The declination is called eastern when magnetic north...
Polar Coordinates01:24

Polar Coordinates

The polar coordinate system offers an alternative to the Cartesian coordinate system for specifying points in a plane, using a distance and an angle instead of x and y coordinates. This system is particularly advantageous in situations involving circular or rotational symmetry, such as in physics or engineering problems involving waves, oscillations, or orbital paths.Defining Polar CoordinatesIn polar coordinates, a point is represented as P(r, ��), where r is the radial distance from a fixed...
Perceptual Constancy01:12

Perceptual Constancy

Perceptual constancy is the ability to recognize that objects remain consistent and unchanged even when their appearance varies due to changes in sensory input. There are four main types of perceptual constancy: size constancy, shape constancy, color constancy, and brightness constancy.
Size constancy is the recognition that an object remains the same size, even when its image on the retina changes. For instance, a bus is perceived to be large enough to carry people, even if it looks tiny from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Assays to Detect UV-reflecting Structures and Determine their Importance in Mate Preference using the Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna
06:41

Assays to Detect UV-reflecting Structures and Determine their Importance in Mate Preference using the Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna

Published on: September 14, 2016

Disputing Viking navigation by polarized skylight.

C Roslund, C Beckman

    Applied Optics
    |October 12, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary

    Viking navigation using polarized light on overcast days lacks scientific support. While polarized skylight may aid navigation on partly cloudy days, it requires careful consideration and skepticism.

    Area of Science:

    • Navigation science
    • Optics
    • Historical navigation

    Background:

    • The historical hypothesis suggests Vikings used polarized skylight for navigation.
    • This method is often cited for overcast conditions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To scientifically evaluate the feasibility of Viking navigation using polarized skylight.
    • To assess the reliability of polarized skylight for navigation under various sky conditions.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of the physical principles of skylight polarization.
    • Assessment of light intensity and polarization patterns under different atmospheric conditions.

    Main Results:

    • The study found no scientific basis for Viking navigation using polarized skylight on overcast days.

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    Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

    Assays to Detect UV-reflecting Structures and Determine their Importance in Mate Preference using the Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna
    06:41

    Assays to Detect UV-reflecting Structures and Determine their Importance in Mate Preference using the Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna

    Published on: September 14, 2016

    Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
    11:34

    Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths

    Published on: July 1, 2019

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    Published on: October 27, 2017

  • Polarized skylight's utility for navigation under partly cloud-free skies is questionable.

    • Conclusions:

    • The traditional belief about Viking overcast-day navigation via polarized light is scientifically unfounded.
    • Skepticism is warranted regarding the use of polarized skylight for navigation, especially under partly cloudy skies.