How do you clock an insect in flight?
An insect can cross a camera frame in a blur. Turning that blur into a speed requires measured space, measured time, and a way to recover where the insect actually traveled.
Questions you could explore
- How could a camera angle make the same flight appear faster or slower?
Start reading
- Bomphrey, Walker, and Taylor / PLOS ONEThe Typical Flight Performance of Blowflies: Measuring the Normal Performance Envelope of Calliphora vicina Using a Novel Corner-Cube Arena
The researchers explain how they tracked blowflies in three dimensions using a mirrored arena. The method makes the work behind a speed measurement visible.
Ready to try your ideas aloud?
Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.