The Eiffel Tower gets Taller in the Summer-The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer, When a substance is heated up, its particles move more and it takes up a larger volume, this is known as thermal expansion. Conversely, a drop in temperature causes it to contract again.
The mercury level inside a thermometer, for example, rises and falls as the mercury’s volume changes with the ambient temperature.
This effect is most dramatic in gases but occurs in liquids and solids such as iron too. For this reason, large structures such as bridges are built with expansion joints which allow them some leeway to expand and contract without causing any damage.
Discover the mesmerizing illusion that transforms the Eiffel Tower into a towering giant every summer in the City of Light:
When it comes to the iconic Eiffel Tower, most people are enamored by its timeless beauty and architectural marvel. Yet, few know about a fascinating phenomenon that occurs every summer in the City of Light.
The Eiffel Tower, that iron giant that graces the Parisian skyline, appears to grow taller during the warm and vibrant summer months.
While its height doesn’t physically change, there’s a captivating optical illusion at play, which we’ll explore in this article.
During the summer, the Eiffel Tower appears to grow taller due to atmospheric conditions causing light refraction. Warm, less dense air makes this iconic Parisian landmark seem even more impressive. Longer daylight hours in summer create the perfect setting for capturing breathtaking photograph
The Design of the Eiffel Tower
The plan to build a tower 300 meters high was conceived as part of preparations for the World’s Fair of 1889. The wager was to “study the possibility of erecting an iron tower on the Champ-de-Mars with a square base, 125 meters across and 300 meters tall”.
Selected from among 107 projects, it was that of Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, Maurice Koechlin, and Emile Nouguier, both engineers, and Stephen Sauvestre, an architect, that was accepted.
Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin, the two chief engineers in Eiffel’s company, had the idea for a very tall tower in June 1884. It was to be designed like a large pylon with four columns of lattice work girders, separated at the base and coming together at the top and joined to each other by more metal girders at regular intervals.
More Facts about the Design
The tower project was a bold extension of this principle up to a height of 300 meters – equivalent to the Symbolic figure of 1000 feet.
To make the project more acceptable to public opinion, Nouguier and Koechlin commissioned the architect Stephen Sauvestre to work on the project’s appearance.
The Eiffel Tower, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel, stands at an impressive height of 324 meters (1,063 feet). Its wrought-iron lattice structure is an engineering marvel.
But during the summer, something extraordinary happens. The warm and sunny weather creates a peculiar optical illusion that makes the tower seem even taller.
key factor contributing to this illusion is:
The atmospheric conditions during the summer. The warm air is less dense than cold air, causing light to refract differently. This change in the refraction of light passing through the air creates a mirage like effect. Objects, including the Eiffel Tower, appear slightly higher than they are.
Summer days in Paris are not only warmer but also longer. Extended daylight hours mean that visitors to the Eiffel Tower have more time to enjoy its breathtaking views. The increased visibility combined with the illusion of added height makes it an ideal time for tourists and photographers to capture the beauty of the tower.
For photography enthusiasts
summer presents a golden opportunity to capture the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. The tower seems to pierce the sky, and the Parisian skyline appears even more enchanting. The play of light and shadow on the iron lattice adds depth to photographs, making them truly spectacular.
If you’re planning a visit to the Eiffel Tower and want to witness this remarkable illusion, be sure to plan your trip during the summer months. The precise dates when this phenomenon is most pronounced may vary, but generally.
Whether you’re a tourist seeking a unique view of Paris or a photography enthusiast looking to capture this marvel, the Eiffel Tower’s “tall tale” during the summer is a spectacle you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion
So, this summer, as you stand beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower and gaze upward, you’ll know that you’re witnessing not just a masterpiece of architecture but also the magic of the season.
Witness the Eiffel Tower’s enchanting optical illusion during your summer visit. Nature and architecture combine to create a unique experience you won’t want to miss.