Rocket Man

The challenge of science

By Emma Kae - 12th July 2001 - Back to News

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Most everybody has heard the elusive story of the Rocket Car and the fate of its pilot. The legend began years ago, perhaps as a vague rumour that was passed around by someone who overheard the tale in a public toilet and re-told it to his friends. Its level of truth and origin are unknown.

The story (often told around campfires at slumber parties) goes something like this: "Once upon a time, in some out-of-the way part of the country, a maniac took a rocket and mounted it on the back of a car. The maniac then sped down a deserted stretch of highway. When he reached an appropriate spot, he lit the rocket..."

The twist in the story comes when the rocket proves to be far more powerful than anticipated. The car reaches an incredible speed in a matter of seconds at which point the car's brakes and steering become "ineffective". Then there is the curve in the road… Upon arriving at the curve the car went "straight ahead instead of negotiating the turn. Pilot and car then flew like an arrow before crashing into an inconveniently-placed mountainside."

The tale is a hilarious glance into the lives of the genius inventors that dare to challenge logic. For a fantastic read, click here and visit the website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: office@messenger.com.au