Did You Know the Eiffel Tower Can Be 15 cm Taller in Summer?
Standing tall over Paris, the Eiffel Tower is not just a symbol of romance and engineering marvel—it also behaves in ways you might not expect. One fascinating feature is how its height can actually change with the seasons. Here’s a closer look at some surprising facts about this iconic structure that reveal just how dynamic it really is.
The Eiffel Tower Grows Taller in Summer
The iron structure of the Eiffel Tower expands in the heat, causing it to grow as much as 15 centimeters (around 6 inches) during the summer months. This happens because metal expands when it gets warm, making the tower slightly taller on hot days.
It Shrinks Back Down in Winter
Just as it expands with heat, the Eiffel Tower contracts when temperatures drop. In colder months, the metal cools and tightens, causing the tower to shrink back to its original height or even a bit less.
The Tower’s Color Changes Over Time
The Eiffel Tower isn’t just famous for its shape but also for its distinctive bronze paint. The tower is repainted every seven years to protect it from rust. Interestingly, the shade of the paint has changed several times since it was built, evolving from reddish-brown to the current “Eiffel Tower Brown.”
It Sways Slightly in Strong Winds
- The tower can sway up to 7 centimeters (about 2.8 inches) in strong winds.
- This movement is barely noticeable but is enough to keep the structure safe from wind damage.
- Its flexible design helps it withstand harsh weather conditions.
Temperature Can Affect the Tower’s Elevators
The elevators inside the Eiffel Tower are also impacted by temperature changes. On hot days, metal rails can expand slightly, causing the elevators to slow down or operate differently. Maintenance teams keep a close eye on this to ensure smooth rides for visitors.
The Tower Was Originally Meant to Be Temporary
When Gustave Eiffel designed the tower for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was intended to stand for just 20 years. Its planned demolition was postponed because it proved valuable for scientific experiments and as a radio antenna.
Lightning Strikes Are Common
- Because it’s the tallest structure in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is frequently struck by lightning.
- It has a lightning rod at its peak to safely channel electricity into the ground.
- This natural phenomenon doesn’t damage the tower thanks to its design.
Its Height Changes with Added Antennas
Over the years, various antennas have been added to the top of the Eiffel Tower for broadcasting purposes. These additions have increased the tower’s height by several meters since it was first built, making it even taller than Gustave Eiffel originally envisioned.
The Tower’s Foundation Moves Slightly
The Eiffel Tower rests on foundations that are embedded in the soil along the Seine River. Because of the soft ground and occasional flooding, the foundations can shift slightly over time, though engineers monitor and manage this carefully to keep the tower stable.
