The coolest science toy EVER

Note to self: next time use cable release and turn image-stabilization OFF!
Also, get that piece of lint or whatever OFF the table before taking the shot. Geez.

It's the Levitron, a fascinating device. The base contains a very strong magnet,
as does the little top — seen here suspended in the air a few inches above
the base. I used a slow shutter-speed to capture the wobbling motion of the top.

It takes a while to succeed in making the top "levitate." You place it onto a
tray (not seen here), hold its shaft between thumb and forefinger, and spin it
as best as you can. Then you lift the plastic tray slowly upward from the base.
The spinning top remains in the center of the tray. Eventually the top reaches
a point at which it rises slightly from the tray. You then carefully remove the
tray altogether. If you've done everything correctly, the top remains suspended
in the air, over the base. The principles involved are fairly complex. A bit of
information appears here: http://www.lauralee.com/physics.htm
(the link opens a new browser window).
This link goes into a LOT of detail.

It took me about 50 attempts to achieve "liftoff". You have to get
several things just right: the speed of the top's spin, its weight,
(there are some tiny weights that come with the Levitron), the speed at
which you lift the plastic tray up from the base once the top is spinning,
and the (adjustable) angle at which the heavy base sits on the tabletop.
A very slight change in the angle of the base makes the difference between
a successful "levitation" and none at all. So far I've been able to keep
the top suspended in air for 2.75 minutes at most.

Fun stuff.

_mg_4073-sp3-web.jpg
© 2006 Mike Arst