October 9 is 10/9!
October 9 is National Nanotechnology Day, celebrating research at the nanoscale on the date that corresponds to one nanometer, 10^-9. That's one billionth of a meter!
Objects measured in nanometers are too small to see with your eyes, but everything around you starts at the nanoscale–the tiny particles and molecules that form your body, the things you use, and your environment. What are some examples of nanometer measurements?
- A scent molecule for a rose is 1 nanometer.
- Human DNA is 2 nanometers.
- The pixels in an iPhone screen are 25,000 nanometers.
It’s hard to imagine the nanoscale. Atoms, particles, and molecules make up the tiniest parts of our bodies, as well as everything we see and touch, but you won’t be able to see them unless you have a very powerful microscope. If you can’t take a ruler down to the nanoscale, bring the nanoscale up to your level!
Download the MIT.nano Nanoscale Estimator
Print our MIT.nano nano-estimator to compare nanometers to more familiar scales—inches and centimeters.
Measure the objects around you: How many millions of nanometers long is your finger? How wide is a blade of grass in centimeters and nanometers? What’s the width of a cookie in inches compared to nanometers? See how big the world is when you look at it from the nano point of view!
>> Download and print the MIT.nano Nanoscale Estimator
Why are nanometers important?
Scientists and engineers working at the nanoscale use their knowledge to design and build just like nature does: atom by atom and molecule by molecule. These tiny particles have a huge impact! Nanoscience researchers are working on renewable energy, medical improvements, new materials for advanced manufacturing, faster computers, cleaner environments, and more.
Run 100 billion nanometers to celebrate!
The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative is encouraging individuals to run 100 billion nanometers on Nano Day. That's a 100-meter dash! Share in the fun on social media by using the hashtags #100BillionNanometers and #NationalNanoDay.
You can also follow and tag @MIT.nano on Instagram. We'd love to see you taking measure of the nanoscale!