© 2026 Boise State Public Radio

NPR in Idaho

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

The physics of the spiral pass have long been a mystery. Not anymore

NPR | By Kai McNamee,

Emily Kwong, Regina G. Barber

Published February 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM MST

The physics of the spiral pass have baffled physicists and football fans for decades.

Copyright 2026 NPR

Tags

All Things Considered

Kai McNamee

[Copyright 2024 NPR]

Emily Kwong

Emily Kwong (she/her) is the reporter for NPR's daily science podcast, Short Wave. The podcast explores new discoveries, everyday mysteries and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, Monday through Friday.

See stories by Emily Kwong

Regina G. Barber

Regina G. Barber is Short Wave's Scientist in Residence. She contributes original reporting on STEM and guest hosts the show.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.

Donate