Boomerang (disambiguation) facts for kids

A boomerang is a special flying tool or toy. It's designed to fly through the air and, if thrown correctly, can even come back to the person who threw it! Boomerangs are often shaped like a curved stick or a V-shape.

What is a Boomerang?

A boomerang is a type of airfoil, which means it's shaped to create lift when it moves through the air, much like an airplane wing. When you throw a boomerang, it spins rapidly. This spin, combined with its unique shape, helps it fly in a circular path.

History of Boomerangs

Boomerangs have a very long history. They were first used by people thousands of years ago, not just as toys, but as hunting tools. The oldest boomerangs found are over 20,000 years old!

Ancient Uses

Many different cultures around the world used boomerangs. The most famous users are the Aboriginal people of Australia. They used boomerangs for hunting animals like birds and kangaroos. Some boomerangs were designed to return, while others, called "killing sticks" or "throwsticks," were heavier and flew straight to hit targets.

Modern Sport

Today, boomerangs are mostly known as fun sports equipment or toys. There are many types of returning boomerangs, and people enjoy throwing them for recreation. There are even competitions where people show off their boomerang throwing skills.

How Boomerangs Fly

The way a boomerang flies is quite clever. When you throw it, the boomerang spins very fast. Because of its curved shape, the air moves differently over the top and bottom surfaces of its "wings." This difference in air pressure creates lift, which makes the boomerang fly. The spin also causes a special effect called precession, which makes the boomerang curve and return to the thrower.

Different Kinds of Boomerangs

Not all boomerangs are designed to return.

• Returning Boomerangs: These are the ones most people think of. They are lighter and shaped specifically to fly in a circle and come back.
• Non-Returning Boomerangs: These are often heavier and straighter. They were used for hunting and would fly a long distance in a straight line to hit a target.

Other Meanings of Boomerang

The word "Boomerang" is also used for other things that might "come back" or are related to the idea of returning.

Boomerang as a TV Channel

Boomerang is a popular television channel that shows classic and modern cartoons. It's known for airing shows like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Scooby-Doo. There are different versions of the channel around the world, including one in the United States and another for Britain and Ireland.

Boomerang Roller Coasters

A Boomerang roller coaster is a specific type of roller coaster ride. It's famous for taking riders forwards through a loop and a corkscrew, then pulling them backwards through the same track! It's like the ride "returns" to where it started, just like a boomerang.

See also

• In Spanish: Boomerang (desambiguación) para niños