How does a boomerang come back?
A returning boomerang comes back because its curved wings are shaped like aerofoils. As it spins, the wings generate uneven lift, and the resulting forces gradually turn its path into a circle.
Each arm of a returning boomerang is flat on one side and curved on the other, like an aeroplane wing. When thrown nearly upright with a strong spin, air flows faster over the curved side, creating lift.
Because the top arm moves forward faster than the bottom arm during each spin, it produces more lift. This imbalance tilts the boomerang, an effect called gyroscopic precession, which steers it around in a curve.
Not all boomerangs return
Aboriginal people made many kinds of boomerangs. Most were non-returning and used for hunting, fighting, digging, making fire or as clapsticks in music. Returning boomerangs were mainly used for sport, play and to scare birds into nets.
Boomerangs and similar throwing sticks have been found in many parts of the world, including Europe and Egypt, but Australia is most famous for them.
For the best return, a right-handed thrower should face the wind, turn about 45 degrees to the right and throw the boomerang almost vertically, with plenty of spin. Boomerang competitions test accuracy, distance and catching.
Did You Know?
The oldest known Australian boomerangs, found at Wyrie Swamp in South Australia, are about 10,000 years old.