Mon Aug 04 10:16:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, suitable for publication:
**The Hindu Explains: How Parachutes Save Lives, From Dome to Ram-Air**
**Published:** August 4, 2025, 3:46 PM IST
Parachutes, those life-saving devices that allow individuals to gracefully descend from the sky, were the focus of an informative article published today by The Hindu. The piece breaks down the science behind these contraptions, explaining how they transform a potentially fatal fall into a controlled and relatively gentle landing.
The article details the fundamental principle of the parachute: increasing air resistance, also known as drag. By deploying a large canopy, the parachute catches as much air as possible, counteracting the force of gravity. This drag slows the descent, allowing a person to float safely to the ground instead of plummeting.
The Hindu also explores the evolution of parachute design. The original parachute, a dome-shaped structure similar to an umbrella, was chosen for its stability and predictable descent. This circular design evenly distributes air across the canopy, ensuring a steady descent, making it reliable for military drops and cargo deliveries.
However, modern parachutes, particularly those used in skydiving, have largely shifted to rectangular or square-shaped “ram-air” canopies. These act more like wings, allowing skydivers to steer and glide through the air. By pulling lines attached to the back corners of the canopy, the skydiver can manipulate its shape, allowing for turns and adjustments to the speed of descent, offering a high degree of control for precise landings.
The piece concludes by highlighting the importance of design in ensuring safety, subtly prompting readers to consider why other shapes are less suitable. It also includes a historical tidbit: the first recorded parachute jump was made by André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797, who leaped from a hot-air balloon over Paris using a round canvas parachute.
The article is categorized under “children,” “In School,” “science (general),” “lifestyle and leisure,” and “travel and commuting,” suggesting it’s aimed at a broad audience seeking a concise and accessible explanation of a common technology.
**Summary of Source Content**
The provided text consists of a news article along with other publications by ‘The Hindu’. The news article explains the science behind parachutes and the evolution of their designs. It discusses the principle of air resistance and the transition from dome-shaped parachutes to ram-air canopies. The article also provides historical context with the first recorded parachute jump.
First Piper 