How the Eiffel Tower changes its size depending on the season
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks of Paris and the world, is not always the same height? Yes, that’s right! The Eiffel Tower grows and shrinks depending on the time of year. Who wouldn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower at its best?
In this article, we will explain how and why this amazing phenomenon happens, and what it means for the visitors and admirers of this magnificent monument.
The Eiffel Tower: a brief history
The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. It was originally called “The 300-meter Tower” and it had a total height of 312 meters, making it the tallest tower in the world at that time. It held that title until 1931, when it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in New York.
The Eiffel Tower was only intended to last 20 years, but it was saved by the scientific experiments that Eiffel encouraged, and in particular by the first radio transmissions, followed by telecommunications. Since then, the Eiffel Tower has continued to grow and today measures 330 meters including the antennas that were added at the summit over the years to broadcast radio and television.
The Eiffel Tower is also a symbol of light and magic. Its lighting, its sparkling lights, and its beacon shine and inspire dreams every evening. It has also been the stage for numerous events of international significance, such as light shows, fireworks, celebrations, and artistic installations.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world, with almost 7 million visitors a year (around 75% of whom are foreigners). It offers a spectacular ascent, a unique panoramic view of Paris, and a thrilling experience for all ages.
How does the Eiffel Tower change size?
One of the reasons why the Eiffel Tower is still as dazzling as ever is because it adapts to its environment and all types of weather conditions: wind, cold, rain, snow, frost, heat, etc. Like any metal, puddled iron (the material used to build the tower) is sensitive to variations in temperature and so reacts to high temperatures in summer and low or even negative temperatures in winter.
When temperatures rise, the tower increases in size! This is a natural physical phenomenon called thermal expansion. Heat causes an increase in volume that makes the Eiffel Tower a few centimeters taller. This expansion also causes the tower to tilt slightly away from the sun. The sun only hits one of the 4 sides of the tower creating an imbalance with the other 3 sides that remain stable, thus causing the Eiffel Tower to lean. In this way, the sun’s movement over the course of a clear day can cause the top of the tower to move in a more or less circular curve measuring approximately 15 centimeters in diameter.
Conversely, when cold winter weather arrives, the metal structure contracts and it can lose a few centimeters as well! This is a natural physical phenomenon called thermal contraction. Cold causes a decrease in volume that makes the Eiffel Tower a few centimeters shorter. This contraction also causes the tower to tilt slightly towards the sun.
The sun only hits one of the 4 sides of the tower creating an imbalance with the other 3 sides that expand slightly due to solar radiation, thus causing the Eiffel Tower to lean. In this way, the sun’s movement over the course of a clear day can cause the top of the tower to move in a more or less circular curve measuring approximately 15 centimeters in diameter.
How much does the Eiffel Tower change size? Well, according to some sources, it can grow up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) during summer when temperatures reach as high as 40°C (104°F), and shrink back down during winter when temperatures drop below zero. However, these changes are natural and infinitesimal and have no impact on the robustness of the structure. They are also absolutely imperceptible to visitors and observers.
What does it mean for you?
If you are planning to visit or admire the Eiffel Tower, you don’t have to worry about its size change. It won’t affect your experience or your view at all. However, it might be interesting to know that you are seeing the tower at its tallest or shortest depending on the season.
You might also want to take a picture of the tower from the same spot at different times of the year and compare them to see if you can notice any difference. You might be surprised!
The Eiffel Tower is a marvel of engineering and architecture that has stood the test of time and weather.
It is a symbol of France and Paris, and a source of inspiration and wonder for millions of people around the world. It is also a living monument that changes with the seasons, just like nature. So, next time you see the Eiffel Tower, remember that it is not always the same, but always beautiful!
