This is the most exciting time to be alive in history. Discovery and innovation are reshaping the world around us, and Popular Science makes even the most complex ideas entertaining and accessible. We deliver the future now.
ALL ABOARD, EVEN ME
CONTRIBUTORS
make bridges, not death traps
rove if you want to
body clocks
forest for the keys
a commute so quick, you could just die
how much oil is left?
our biggest mile markers
ready, set, go!
koffie or te?
highway in the sky
HISTORY ON THE LINE
BORN TO FUN
SAVE YOUR SOLES
TEMPLE OF BOOM
HANDLED BAGGAGE
SOUND BARRIERS
BEAST MODE
FLIGHT SUITS
DON’T BE DIRECTIONLESS
WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR HUMANS TO TRUST SELF-DRIVING CARS?
THE MASTERPIECE • IN 1970, BRUCE KIRBY CREATED THE PERFECT SINGLE-PERSON SAILBOAT. WHAT MADE THE LASER SO UNBEATABLE?
THE LASER IN FIVE EASY PIECES
the futures we were promised
flying cars
hyperloop
jetpacks
self-driving cars
GETTING THERE • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS GREAT—IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO IT. NOW CITIES ARE STARTING TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO HELP PEOPLE WITH THE FIRST AND LAST MILES OF THEIR TRAVELS.
FOR THE LONG HAUL
SEPARATION ANXIETY • Millions of pounds of machinery will start our journey back to the moon, but only 20,500 pounds will make the full trip back home. None of it would get anywhere without this unassuming bolt.
PYRO MANIAC • During 2020’s Exploration Mission 1, Orion’s first journey to the moon and back, 31 pieces of explosive hardware will strategically jettison parts of the vessel along the way. This is when, why, and how each bit breaks loose.
a history of hitting the ROAD • Today’s streets have it harder than their ancestors did. Instead of feet, hooves, and wooden wheels, they shoulder semis and SUVs. As we’ve developed new ways to zip around, we’ve also changed the makeup of the routes on which we travel, transforming gravel paths into asphalt superhighways. Challenges such as extreme weather and carbon emissions mean our expressways must evolve even further, so engineers are turning to futuristic fixes to keep traffic flowing. Here’s the story behind that long and winding journey—and where it’s going next.
The Second Wave • MORE THAN A DECADE AFTER THE CONCORDE LANDED FOR THE LAST TIME, A NEW CLASS OF SUPERSONIC AIRPLANES PREPARES FOR LIFTOFF
LAND of MAKE BELIEVE
excavating ancient prints in the shadow of a volcano
why didn’t the mountain lion cross the road?
i ran a marathon in space
do you mind if we look in your bag?
i stuck plungers to chicken butts
how to predict the next pangaea
Break Free from Neuropathy with a New Supportive Care Cream • A patented relief cream stands to help millions of Americans crippled from the side effects of neuropathy by increasing sensation and blood flow wherever it’s applied
baby steps, baby steps
riding in cars with computers
Dali's 'Crucifixion' drew rave reviews at museums evervwhere, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Avn Rand contemplated the "alien hybrid" painting for hours.… • As a result, as I enter my 90th year, the author of Answers from the Bible and THE FARADAY TWINS with 16 million fo llowers, explains why Salvador Dali used me TWICE in his paintings.
you move, i move
running in place
there’s only one way out
game the system
why car rides seem to last forever
I WISH SOMEONE WOULD INVENT…