Fancy a bit of physics? Just take the Dart

Over the next eight weeks, physics is catching the Dart. Passengers will get a dose of fun and accessible science during their journey thanks to Dart of Physics.

The initiative is putting various statements and challenges up on the Dart between now and Christmas.

These include explaining why passengers are all physically attracted to each other (this one is about gravitational forces rather than hormones, but you never know); how we are all made of stardust (even though we might not feel like it on the morning commute); and why the metal on the pole of the Dart feels colder than the fabric on the seat.

"Passengers can find out the answers and satisfy their curiosity by looking at the website Dartofphysics.ie," says founder Prof Shane Bergin from the school of physics at Trinity College, who got the idea when he saw how the Tube in London was used as a space to promote poetry and art.

“People often see physics as a specialist and even ugly subject that’s not for them,” he says.

“We want to change that perception by introducing commuters to the beauty of physics and how it can apply in everyday situations.”

But what about people who are not anywhere near the Dart belt? There are still plenty of opportunities to get zapped, according to Bergin, including ads and articles in the media, the website dartofphysics.ie and social media (@dartofphysics on Twitter).