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Centuries-Old Pitch Drop Experiment Set for Next Drop

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pitch Drop experiment began in 1927 by Professor Thomas Parnell at the University of Queensland, Australia.
It demonstrates pitch’s viscosity.
Nine drops have been recorded, with the first drop taking more than eight years to fall.
Live streaming has been hampered by technical issues, though experts expect the next drop in the 2020s.

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Story summary

The Pitch Drop experiment began in 1927 by Professor Thomas Parnell at the University of Queensland, Australia.
It demonstrates pitch’s viscosity.
Nine drops have been recorded, with the first drop taking more than eight years to fall.
Live streaming has been hampered by technical issues, though experts expect the next drop in the 2020s.