Most landmarks just sit there, looking impressive while attracting tourists from around the world. The Eiffel Tower, however, secretly changes shape when no one’s paying attention. On hot summer days in Paris, this iconic structure actually grows taller. It sounds like something out of a science fiction story, but it’s just physics at work! Here’s what’s happening: The tower is made of iron, and like most metals, it reacts to heat. When temperatures rise, the particles in the metal start moving faster and spreading out. Scientists call this thermal expansion . That tiny movement, multiplied across thousands of metal pieces, makes the entire structure grow a little taller. However, this change isn’t dramatic, and you wouldn’t even notice it. The difference is usually just a few millimeters at any given time, though the difference between winter and peak summer can reach around 10– 15 centimeters. Still, for a structure that already towers over the city, it’s enough to make engineers pay attention. It gets even more interesting. The sun doesn’t heat the tower evenly. One side warms up more than the others, The Eiffel Tower Grows WHEN PARIS HEATS UP …
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Flank Steak Tacos
Salad • 1 tsp paprika Ingredients
• 1 lb flank steak • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 small red onion, finely diced • 1/3 cup cilantro • 1 ripe avocado, diced • 1 tbsp lime juice • 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp chili powder • 1/2 tsp dried oregano • 1/4 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp sea salt, divided
which means it expands slightly more on that side. As a result, the whole tower leans just a little away from the sun and traces an arc throughout the day. What’s wild is that this was never a flaw, as the tower was designed to handle it. Gustave Eiffel and his engineers were aware that metal moves, so they built flexibility right into the structure.
Directions 1. Heat grill to medium heat. 2. In a small bowl, combine first 7 seasoning ingredients with 1/2 tsp sea salt. 3. Brush steak with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle seasoning mixture on both sides. 4. Grill steak for 2–4 minutes per side. 5. Remove steak from grill and let it rest. 6. In a bowl, stir together 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. 7. Heat flour tortillas on the grill. 8. Slice the grilled flank strip into 1/4-inch strips. Assemble your tacos and enjoy!
So, the next time you picture the Eiffel Tower rising over
Paris, remember that it’s not frozen in place like a postcard!
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