IT IS one of the greatest ‘eureka’ moments in the history of science.

The falling apple that hit Sir Isaac Newton on the head is said to have inspired his theories of gravity.

Now, seeds from that same apple tree have taken root at Winchester Science Centre.

Staff have successfully germinated two seeds taken from the tree that is said to have prompted the world-famous scientists’ Universal Law of Gravitation.

The seeds were donated to the Science Centre by the National Trust who own Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, Newton’s birthplace and family home.

The young sucklings are being gradually introduced to the outdoors and once established they will form a display to inspire others about Newton’s revolutionary theories.

Allison Arrowsmith, education officer at Winchester Science Centre, who has a passion for gardening, took on the responsibility of germinating Newton’s apple seeds.

The centre was given three seeds. To mimic their natural environment, Allison wrapped the seeds in a lightly damp tissue, sealed them in a freezer bag and kept them in the bottom of the salad drawer in her fridge to keep them cold, moist and dark.

“Under normal circumstances the plants would have been put outside to harden them up, but as the weather has been so hot I thought they stood the best chance being kept indoors,” said Allison.

“They still have a long journey ahead, it will take up to 15 years for these young plants to mature into fruit-bearing trees.”

Ben Ward, CEO of Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, said: “Sir Isaac Newton is one of our most famous scientists.

“By discovering the laws of gravity and motion and inventing calculus, he changed the way we understand the universe.

“We plan to provide a permanent home for the trees in front of the Science Centre as part of our welcome to our 170,000 visitors.

“We hope it will engage young people with science and the fascinating story of Newton.”

In the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor there is an apple tree which first put down roots 400 years ago.

For at least 240 years it has been known as the gravity tree and shown to visitors as Newton’s apple tree, the tree which caused him to ask the question: ‘Why do apples always fall straight down to the ground?’