Did You Know The Eiffel Tower Changes Size In Summer?
The Eiffel Tower , one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, is more than just a marvel of engineering and architecture. Over its 131-year existence, the tower has not only grown in height with the addition of radio and television antennas, but it also experiences a curious change in size throughout the year. Intrigued? Let’s uncover this fascinating phenomenon.
A Tower that Keeps Growing
When the Eiffel Tower was unveiled during the Paris World’s Fair on March 31, 1889, it stood at an impressive height of 312 meters. At the time, it was known as "The 300-meter Tower," and for 42 years, it held the title of the tallest structure in the world. It wasn't until 1931 that the Empire State Building in New York took over that prestigious title, soaring to 381 meters.
However, the Eiffel Tower’s growth didn’t stop there. Over the years, antennas were added to its summit, contributing to its current height of 330 meters. These additions in 1957, 2000, and 2022, enabled the tower to broadcast radio and television signals, extending its utility far beyond its initial design. And who knows? The Eiffel Tower may continue to grow as technology evolves.
Summer Expansion and Winter Contraction: A Natural Phenomenon
The Eiffel Tower’s metal structure is subject to the laws of physics, particularly thermal expansion . When temperatures rise during the summer, the puddled iron used in its construction expands, making the tower grow by a few millimeters. This might sound small, but it’s a natural and remarkable occurrence.
When the sun’s heat strikes the tower, it causes one side to heat up more than the others, resulting in a slight tilt away from the sun. This leads to a subtle, but detectable movement at the top of the tower, where it traces a circular curve about 15 centimeters in diameter. On colder days, especially in winter, the opposite occurs: the tower contracts slightly, losing the few millimeters it gained during the warmer months.
Imperceptible but Intriguing
These seasonal changes in size and position may seem significant, but they are completely imperceptible to the naked eye and have no impact on the tower’s stability or structural integrity. In fact, the Eiffel Tower was designed to handle a variety of environmental stresses, including wind, rain, and temperature changes.
While the tower may wobble slightly in high winds, it was carefully engineered by Eiffel’s team to minimize wind resistance. Thanks to its curved design and strong metal framework, it remains sturdy, even during extreme weather conditions. However, when winds become too intense, the tower’s top floor or even the entire structure is temporarily closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
The Eiffel Tower is not just a static monument; it’s a living symbol of human ingenuity, constantly adapting to its environment while maintaining its iconic status. Its ability to grow and contract with the seasons is just one more reason why this beloved landmark continues to captivate millions of visitors each year.