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This week’s new questions

How does a scone develop a “waist” as it rises in the oven? And do I weigh more at night as a result of an extra gravitational pull due to the position of the sun?

11 January 2023

Scones

Geoff Rowlands

How does a scone develop a “waist” as it rises in the oven?

Geoff Rowlands,

Falmouth, Cornwall, UK

 

Planet Earth Morning 3D. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.; Shutterstock ID 328174808; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Capitano Footage/Shutterstock

On the night side of Earth, the sun’s gravitational pull on me will be additive to that of Earth, whereas on the light side it will be subtractive. So, do I weigh more at night?

Andrew Doble,

Hamilton, Bermuda

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a…

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