The mystery of flight has has been at the center of human curiosity for centuries. From the sketches of Leonardo da Vinci to the pioneering experiments of the Wright brothers, mankind has tirelessly sought to master the skies. But even as aviation became a defining feature of modern civilization, the fundamental principles behind flight have often been misunderstood.
Despite the apparent ease with which an airplane lifts off the ground today, the science behind flight is anything but straightforward. The concept of lift, in particular, remains an area of debate and misconceptions, with numerous explanations (some accurate, others flawed) circulating in both scientific and educational circles.
How exactly does an airplane achieve lift? Why do so many explanations of this invisible force fall short? And what can past misconceptions teach us about the complexity of aerodynamics? Click through this gallery to find out.