Scientists have discovered that glass is actually a slow-moving liquid.

This surprising fact challenges the common belief that glass is a solid material like a crystal. When looking at old windows in historical buildings, you may notice that the glass is thicker at the bottom than at the top. This phenomenon is a result of the slow flow of glass over hundreds of years.

The reason behind glass being a liquid lies in its atomic structure. Unlike crystalline solids, glass lacks a regular, repeating pattern in its atomic arrangement, giving it the characteristics of a liquid. This unique property allows glass to flow, albeit very slowly, especially in older glass pieces where the flow is observable over time.

One famous example of glass flowing can be seen in medieval stained glass windows, where the bottom panes are noticeably thicker than the top ones due to centuries of flow. The Cathedral of Chartres in France is a notable location where this phenomenon can be observed, showcasing the dynamic nature of seemingly solid materials like glass.

This intriguing fact challenges our traditional understanding of solid and liquid states of matter, inviting us to reconsider the nature of materials around us. It reminds us that even the most seemingly stable substances can exhibit unexpected behaviors when viewed through the lens of scientific inquiry, adding a layer of complexity to our perception of the physical world.