THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

From aerial swoops to gravity-defying stunts, circus acts never fail to wow an audience. We take a ringside seat to explore the physics behind the best tricks

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Roll up! Roll up! Get ready to take your seat for the greatest show on Earth. Imagine you’re flying through the air, juggling knives or breathing fire. Sound scary? Well, don’t worry – science has your back. We are looking at some of the most stunning feats, and how circus performers effortlessly use a knowledge of forces and other scientific know-how to amaze and entertain.

Nerves of steel 

Circus acts have been performed for thousands of years, with juggling and acrobatics recorded in Egypt as far back as 2500BC. The ancient Romans and Greeks had funambulists, or rope dancers, where performers would represent famous characters while balancing on a tightrope, but how do these jumps, tricks and acrobatics work?

The everyday job of a tightrope walker involves being high up, with just a thin piece of cable between you and the ground. It’s a long way down, and the slightest breath of wind might topple you off the wire, but a little knowledge of science can make it easier. Understanding the forces at play on your body can help you pull off the trick successfully, and get a massive round of applause.