Besides studying phase transitions on solid surfaces, Jerzy Rutkowski of the University of Lodz in Poland collects physics-related stamps. By Rutkowski’s reckoning, more than 2000 such stamps have been issued worldwide since 1847, the year Benjamin Franklin appeared on the first US stamp. To see Rutkowski’s latest collection, visit World Year of Physics 2005 in Philately.
To better understand why and how the towers of the World Trade Center collapsed on 11 September 2001, NIST undertook a three-year building and fire safety investigation. Results are available at the website NIST and the World Trade Center.
The aim of the Earthquake Hazards Program of the US Geological Survey is to reduce earthquake damage. To fulfill that aim, EHP monitors earthquake activity and displays the results in real-time maps, which you can find on the EHP website.
To suggest topics or sites for Web Watch, please visit http://www.physicstoday.org/suggestwebwatch.html.
