Short Wave Science Movie Club: 'Twister'
Apr 8, 2020
Delve into the science behind the classic film 'Twister' as a meteorologist dissects its accuracy in portraying tornadoes. Discover how the sounds depicted, like the lion’s roar, misrepresent reality. Learn about the evolution of tornado measurement devices, comparing the movie's fictional 'Dorothy' to the real-life 'Toto'. Analyze the thrilling yet unrealistic survival scene during an F5 tornado. Ultimately, explore the film's influence on aspiring scientists and the importance of representation in the science community.
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First Twister Viewing
- Allie Burgos first saw "Twister" around fourth grade while knitting and channel surfing.
- Her dad told her to go to bed, but she was captivated by the tornado scene.
Tornado Sounds
- Tornadoes do not sound like roaring lions as depicted in movies.
- Their real sound is closer to a constant low rumble or a rushing train.
Tornado Research Instruments
- The movie's Dorothy instrument, designed to collect tornado data, is based on a real device called TOTO.
- Modern research uses weather balloons with instruments, like the NOAA's TORUS program, for safer data collection.
