Science Storms: Tornado

It's a whirlwind

From palm trees in a typhoon to pinwheels on a blustery day, watching air in motion can be hypnotic. In its most powerful forms, wind can also devastate in a matter of moments. In the centerpiece of Science Storms, you'll be blown away by the tornado, a 40-foot Vortex of swirling air and vapor you can study and manipulate. Nearby, you can also create convection by heating the air inside large balloons and observe the effect with thermal cameras. Or team up with friends to ride along with storm chasers in a virtual race to intercept severe weather.

Tornado

Prepare to be blown away by this 40-foot tornado — a vortex of swirling, illuminated vapor rising continuously from the floor. Manipulate and measure the dynamics of this vortex from both levels of the exhibit. Surrounding the base of the vortex are control panels for shaping the air column with a series of dampers. Produced under a license granted by Ned Kahn.

Vortices

Once you've taken in the tornado, take control of your own miniature vortex. It starts by activating a countertop fogger, which sends vapor upward between three small semi-circular walls. All three walls can be fully rotated, simulating the horizontal winds that form a tornado.

Power of wind

The winds associated with tornados have tremendous power. What would that power really feel like? Step into a wind tunnel booth on the Balcony Level to experience wind speeds up to 80 miles per hour!