The Equator Drain Experiment

Equatorial selfie.
Ann in the Northern Hemisphere and
John in the Southern Hemisphere.

You are no doubt familiar with the theory that water spirals down the drain in opposite directions, depending on whether you're in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.  But like the vast majority of the population of the Northern Hemisphere, you've not had the opportunity to travel south of the equator to see for yourself, so you pretty much have to take science's word for it.  Well, we're here to give you the visual proof.   

Would you like a
little head?

During a recent trip to Quito, Ecuador, we visited the Museo de Sitio Intinan (literal translation: Museum of the Site of the Path of the Sun).  It's an interactive open-air museum featuring ancient Ecuadorian culture, including thatched huts, totem poles and a shrunken human head.  Yes, you read that right, a shrunken human head.  That may be a post for another time.  Suffice it to say the shrinking of heads was not always done for malign purposes.

Anyway, back to the drain thing.  The main reason for the existence of this museum is that it's located directly on the equator.  A red line painted on the ground (and a sign) indicates the exact mitad del mundo (middle of the world).  There are various demonstrations done to show the effect of being at the middle of the world has - or doesn't have - on balance, strength, and physics.  Of course, the highlight is the water draining experiment, which you can see in the two-minute video below.  We'll let the video speak for itself.  Just a couple of things to point out: the small leaves are used to help visualize the direction of the water as it drains.  And, Ann's mind was blown.  But don't take my word for it.  Listen:

If your mind is blown, as well, please Share, Tweet, Like, Re-Blog, +1, Pin, etc.  Thanks for sharing another one of Ann & John's Excellent Adventures.