Attempting to model astronomical systems can often involve supercomputers, but scientists have also looked for alternative analogue systems to model the astronomical systems they are studying. This ...

Researchers have developed a simple laboratory model using a water tornado to simulate the dynamics of gas and dust in planet-forming discs. Experts have long tried to study the swirling clouds of gas ...

This photo shows the upper part of the water tornado model. The acrylic glas tank has a diameter of 50 centimetres and is illuminated with LED strips. The water forms a vortex whose surface shape ...