The Secret of Synchronization

Dense crowd walking across the Millennium Bridge in London

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-_VPRCtiUg

Coupled oscillators — from pendulums to fireflies to pedestrians — can lock into a shared rhythm when feedback is strong enough.

London’s Millennium Bridge famously swayed when walkers’ steps synchronized with its lateral mode; damping and crowd limits restored stability after opening day.

Friday April 2nd 2021