How does the mysterious floating orb work?

tallyho8 · Aug 15, 2015

I know that magnetism is involved but it is not just magnetism because you can't make an item float with just magnetism. Either it won't move or it will stick to the magnet.

When this is unplugged, the orb won't float no matter how hard you try, but the top of it will stick to the top of the frame because obviously, one has a magnet in it and the other is magnetic. Whether plugged in or unplugged, there is no attraction between the south pole of the orb and the bottom of the frame.

I know some of the wizards on TBN can figure this out and explain it to me

See video at http://youtu.be/ug9AoFTHGzc

Egon · Aug 15, 2015

Mysteries of the Ancients!

Scooby074 · Aug 15, 2015

Electromagnets top and bottom and when you get in the middle sweet spot where the forces pulling up match the force down, the orb stays put?

boggen · Aug 15, 2015

https://hackaday.com/tag/levitation/

looking at the few listings that came back. kinda surprised me use of "sound waves" (out side of human hearing) was being used. never heard of such thing before.

a couple other notations were sounding more like "magnetic bearings" or ring magnets.

RobertBrown · Aug 15, 2015

It is operated by an electronically controlled magnetic system. The magnetic above the gadget contains an electro magnet and a magnetic field sensor,

Amazon.com: Fascinations Levitron Globe Ion: Toys & Games

tallyho8 · Aug 15, 2015

Scooby074 said:
Electromagnets top and bottom and when you get in the middle sweet spot where the forces pulling up match the force down, the orb stays put?

I know there is no magnet or electromagnet in the base or in the south pole of the globe as I have checked them out well with my good magnets.

tallyho8 · Aug 15, 2015

RobertBrown said:
It is operated by an electronically controlled magnetic system. The magnetic above the gadget contains an electro magnet and a magnetic field sensor,

Amazon.com: Fascinations Levitron Globe Ion: Toys & Games

If you can do this with a cheap toy, what prevents you from doing it with a flying saucer?

Really, until I can build one myself and see it work, I will continue to just believe that it's magic.

RobertBrown · Aug 16, 2015

If you can do this with a cheap toy, what prevents you from doing it with a flying saucer?

If you could use a globe or sphere I suspect you could use a saucer instead.....Why not?

Really, until I can build one myself and see it work, I will continue to just believe that it's magic.

And.... by definition, you would not be incorrect.

noun
1. the art of producing illusions as entertainment by the use of sleight of hand, deceptive devices, etc.; legerdemain; conjuring:
to pull a rabbit out of a hat by magic.

Magic | Define Magic at Dictionary.com