Physics south of the Sahara

MAR 01, 1955

DOI: 10.1063/1.3061942

S. A. Korff

We are sometimes inclined to think of Africa south of the Sahara as a country covered by tropical jungle and inhabited chiefly by elephants and pygmies. Any such oversimplification would lead us to conclude that this region had no interest for the world of physics. It is the purpose of this article to review (a) what is currently being done in physics and allied sciences and (b) the potentials for research and facilities which could be used by anyone having problems which could logically be undertaken there.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

S. A. Korff, College of Engineering, New York University.

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

Article

Speak easy: The educational benefits of a three-minute research talk

The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.

February 05, 2026 04:16 PM

Features

Article

Making magnetized plasmas in the lab

With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.

February 04, 2026 01:14 PM

Features

Article

Exposing life’s limits with dimensionless numbers

A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.

January 27, 2026 03:35 PM

Features

Article

Celebrations of the international quantum year

Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.

January 26, 2026 02:20 PM

This Content Appeared In