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This week’s new questions

How does a scone develop a “waist” as it rises in the oven? And do I weigh more at night as a result of an extra gravitational pull due to the position of the sun?

Scones

How does a scone develop a “waist” as it rises in the oven?

Geoff Rowlands,

Falmouth, Cornwall, UK

Planet Earth Morning 3D. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.; Shutterstock ID 328174808; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

On the night side of Earth, the sun’s gravitational pull on me will be additive to that of Earth, whereas on the light side it will be subtractive. So, do I weigh more at night?

Andrew Doble,

Hamilton, Bermuda

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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