
On a still day, clouds move slowly across the sky. How much of this is due to Earth’s rotation? Do clouds seem to move faster at the equator?
Philip Welsby, Edinburgh, UK
Advertisement

I straighten my hair and my friend curls hers with a heated hair wand. Humidity, sweat or washing instantly reverses the process. My wavy hair goes frizzy in humidity, but her straight hair doesn’t. What is happening?
Nina Dougall, Malmsbury, Victoria, Australia
To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.
You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.