Another conundrum.

[Chris Hogg]

Somehow I didn't think he actually meant real cats, hence the idea it might be a hypothetical cat :-)

[Robin]

The experiment needs real cats.

[Chris Hogg]

Ugh! Messy!

[PeterC]

it depends...

[Cynic]

It can all be explained as High Energy Magic.

[news17k]

Indeed, but perhaps this will do for now:

Real-time single-molecule imaging of quantum interference

Thomas Juffmann, Adriana Milic, Michael M?llneritsch, Peter Asenbaum, Alexander Tsukernik, Jens T?xen, Marcel Mayor, Ori Cheshnovsky, Markus Arndt

The observation of interference patterns in double-slit experiments with massive particles is generally regarded as the ultimate demonstration of the quantum nature of these objects. Such matter-wave interference has been observed for electrons, neutrons, atoms and molecules and it differs from classical wave-physics in that it can even be observed when single particles arrive at the detector one by one. The build-up of such patterns in experiments with electrons has been described as the "most beautiful experiment in physics". Here we show how a combination of nanofabrication and nanoimaging methods allows us to record the full two-dimensional build-up of quantum diffraction patterns in real-time for phthalocyanine molecules PcH2 and their tailored derivatives F24PcH2 with a mass of 1298 amu. A laser-controlled micro-evaporation source was used to produce a beam of molecules with the required intensity and coherence and the gratings were machined in 10 nm thick silicon nitride membranes to reduce the effect of van der Waals forces. Wide-field fluorescence microscopy was used to detect the position of each molecule with an accuracy of 10 nm and to reveal the build-up of a deterministic ensemble interference pattern from stochastically arriving and internally hot single molecules.

[Vir Campestris]

[Vir Campestris]

He asked about sailing _dead_ upwind or downwind. Neither of these are possible with a conventional sailing vessel with a fixed sail and a fixed keel/runners/undriven wheels.

Both are easily possible using a windmill combined with driven wheels; there is no reason why it should not be possible using a propellor in the water, but I've not seen it done.

Modern racing boats do sail at closer to the wind than 45 degrees. The angle is a compromise; sail closer to the wind, and you are closer to your desired upwind course. But you also go slower. Knowing the exact course to take in any given conditions of wind and water is one of the challenges that has kept me racing for over 40 years.

Andy

[Cursitor Doom]

So it's looking increasingly like the 1950s many-worlds theory is coming of age! Amazing. :-D

[T i m]

I saw of this a while ago (and some small working models).

I believe it is one of those things you get a 6th sense for ... watching the wind on the water upwind of you so you are ready for it when it hits you, setting the sails for the best efficiency whilst pointing as high as you can comfortably (working the gusts to gain some upwind distance), trimming the boat, dagger / centre board, rudder blade to suit the wind / conditions, when to force a gibe and stay on a run goose winging or get onto a broad reach or put the kite up. ;-)

Or even when to try something different and not go with the fleet and pull something 'odd' out of the bag and surprise the rest [1]. ;-)

And when it becomes like 'riding a bike' where even if you haven't been on the water for a while, when you do it was if it was yesterday, it all feels so natural. ;-)

I'm more of a cruiser than a racer but when I have raced (dinghies, crew or helm) we sometimes got lucky. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[1] We (daughter and I) used to race RC Lasers and on one race (many of the competitors were very experienced sailors, racers or even instructors), daughter broke away from the fleet and went off across the lake. I questioned what she was doing but she just ignored my advice and we walked in different directions (her in one, everone else the other).

We were then all beating up to the mark and she comes barreling though the finish line on a beam reach and thrashes the lot of us. ;-)

[The Natural Philosopher]

Damn. Ive always wanted to sail...

[Cursitor Doom]

The dream is a hell of a lot nicer than the reality. The same experience as sailing can be had, with far more safety, by standing under a cold shower whilst tearing up 50 pound notes. Anyone who has owned a boat will also vouch for the fact that the two finest days of boat ownership are the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

[Tim Lamb]

I have a restorable Miracle you can have for not very much:-)

[T i m]

Depending on how real your dream is.

That can be the case of course, depending on all sorts of things.

Well, I own several boats and have done so for many years (50+) and that's not been the case for me.

But you do have to pick your days / boat carefully and be prepared (this is England after all). ;-)

I took the new Mrs sailing for a week and we only had two decent sailing days (one being the day we were leaving so we left the chalet and went sailing before going home). Luckily we found other things to do on the less windy days ... as well as outboarding, rowing and canoeing. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[Vir Campestris]

You're near Cambridge aren't you?

Turn up at one of the local clubs on a Sunday morning and say hello. Someone will probably take you out. Pick the right one and it might even be me!

Andy