A science communicator films a high-speed video of a hummingbird flapping its wings at 80 beats per second. If the video is filmed at 240 frames per second and lasts 1.5 minutes, how many wing beats are captured in the entire video?

Fri, 08 May 2026 23:27:37 +0000

**Why Hummingbirds’ Wing Beats Captivate Science Communicators—and Audiences** When a science communicator captures a hummingbird’s wings beating at 80 times per second in ultra-high detail—filmed at 240 frames per second—what begins as a fleeting moment unfolds into a vivid, educational window into nature’s incredible mechanics. This fusion of high-speed video technology and biological observation draws widespread attention, reflecting growing public curiosity about the hidden dynamics of wildlife. Weekly spikes in engagement around similar science visuals show how people are increasingly seeking real, slow-motion glimpses of fast-moving natural phenomena—a trend fueled by mobile-first consumption and a desire to understand the unseen. Why is this specific image of a hummingbird’s wings generating buzz? It showcases precision in science communication: combining high frame capture with accurate biological data offers audiences tangible proof of movement patterns. Filmed at 240 frames per second, the video renders every beat clearly, turning rapid motion into visible rhythm. At 80 beats per second, each frame freezes a moment, and with over 14,400 frames in 1.5 minutes, the cumulative data reveals a steady, consistent rate—43,200 wing beats over the video’s duration. This level of detail transforms casual viewers into engaged learners, eager to uncover how these feathered marvels sustain life at such a pace. **How High-Speed Footage Captures Wing Beats: The Science Behind the Numbers**