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arXiv:1309.4731physics.bio-ph

Ballooning Spiders: The Case for Electrostatic Flight

Peter W. Gorham

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Abstract

We consider general aspects of the physics underlying the flight of Gossamer spiders, also known as ballooning spiders. We show that existing observations and the physics of spider silk in the presence of the Earth's static atmospheric electric field indicate a potentially important role for electrostatic forces in the flight of Gossamer spiders. A compelling example is analyzed in detail, motivated by the observed "unaccountable rapidity" in the launching of such spiders from H.M.S. Beagle, recorded by Charles Darwin during his famous voyage.

arXiv comments
4 pages, 3 figures; updated electrostatic model; includes additional analysis
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.bio-phBiological Physics physics.hist-phHistory and Philosophy of Physics

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Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Jul 2019 to Jul 2019. Found in 2 HN submissions from Jul 2019 to Jul 2022. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments1 thread

  1. Spiders Use Earth's Electric Field to Fly Hundreds of Miles (2018) 1 comment

    • There is a beautifully illustrated arxiv paper Ballooning Spiders: The Case for Electrostatic Flight by Peter W. Gorham at https://arxiv.org/abs/1309.4731, which is a good read, if you want to get a bit more into the subject.

      yannisView on HNParent context

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