Last year we told you about a little gnome with a big task, and
his name is Kern.
Kern has been helping physicists to measure how gravity varies
on Earth. However, back in November 2012 he left gravity behind and
took a trip on an aeroplane called G-FORCE ONE. He even has the certificate to
prove it!
Closer to home, children from Colsterworth Primary School met up
with Kern at Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham, and even ended up on
BBC Newsround. Click here for the full story...
Kern at Woolsthorpe Manor (C) Grantham
Gazette
So how is a globetrotting gnome helping scientists to
investigate the vary that gravity varies around the
world?
Have a look at the video Gnome Experiment Introduction to find out more
about Kern.
Where is gravity strongest on Earth?
Differences in the Earth's gravity affect weight. The stronger
the force of gravity, the more an object will weigh. So far, Kern
the gnome has weighed most - 309.82g - in Antarctica.
Why does gravity vary on Earth?
One of the main causes for the increased gravity in Antarctica
is that the Earth is slightly potato shaped.
Objects at the equator are further from the Earth's centre than
objects at the poles. This means that objects at the equator
experience a weaker gravitational pull.
This longer video explains more about the science behind
the project...
Kern will be travelling around the world to find out how gravity
varies. Exciting stops include Snolab, which is the deepest
laboratory on Earth, and the Large Hadron Collider.
You could take part in the Gnome Experiment! Go to The Gnome Experiment to see the
results so far and find out how you can take part.
You can also follow Kern the Gnome on his blog.