Newton's apple tree sample to "defy" gravity

 Media Images 47811000 Jpg  47811406 Newtontreefragments1

Above is a hunk of the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton to develop his theory of gravity when he saw fruit falling from its branches in 1666. The bark, and a picture of Sir Isaac, will soon defy gravity aboard the Atlantis space shuttle slated for launch this week. From the BBC News:

Lord Rees, the academic institution's current president, said it was "both pleased and proud that such an extraordinary part of scientific history and important element of the Royal Society's archive collection can make this historic trip into space".

He said the piece of tree and picture of Sir Isaac will go on to form part of the History of the Royal Society exhibition that the society will be holding later this year and will then be held as a permanent exhibit.

"Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree sample to go into space"