I'll never forget the first time I saw Saturn through a telescope. Its tilt was very apparent that year, and it lit in me a passion for astronomy. With a 9mm diameter this free floating Saturn makes the perfect gift for Astronomy enthusiasts.
I've wanted to make this arrangement for a long time, but I wasn't completely sure it could be done. The geometry of the magnetic field is a level more complex. The gold plated magnetic sphere fits precisely inside a delicate ring magnet. You can spin it horizontally and smooth or with a little angling of the ring you can watch it wobble.
Brief explanation of how it works-
A magnet can permanently escape the oppression of our massive planet's force with the right arrangement of magnets and bismuth metal crystal. The phenomenon responsible is called diamagnetism, and bismuth is the most diamagnetic metal on earth. Bismuth repels magnetism without prejudice. That is to say it repels north and south poles equally. Also weakly. If the repulsion were stronger, you could just put the magnet on top of bismuth and watch it float. As it is, magnets are just too heavy. The solution is to use another magnet above that comes just close enough to lighten the sphere, ring or cube. Positioned precisely enough the smaller magnet will lift off without getting so close to the upper magnet that its weight is completely overcome by the mutual magnetic attraction.
This permanent levitation requires no electricity, nor is it required to spin to stay afloat. It needs no liquid nitrogen to supercool its parts. It just works.
What you get with this Handcrafted Magnetic Levitation Sculpture -
•The perfect gift for the intellectual or just the uber gadget geek!
•Includes one made to order sculpture with magnets and base
•Total measurements including the base are 4x4x10 inches. The metal itself measures approximately 6” tall and 1” diameter.
•Made with bismuth metal
•Three- 6.35mm spheres embraced by their 9+mm diameter rings
•30-Day guarantee
HERE’S HOW TO SET IT UP
1. Place the sculpture on a level surface
2. Slip the Saturn magnet into the opening.
3. Twist the top magnet clockwise to raise it and counterclockwise to lower it until you achieve equilibrium.
Consider setting it on a shelf near a door or vent for more continual, mesmerizing movement.
**Neodymium magnets are not for children. Small magnets can pose a choking hazard. If multiple magnets are swallowed, they can attach to one another through intestine walls. This can cause a severe health risk, requiring immediate, emergency surgery if correctly diagnosed.
**Neodymium magnets can affect pacemakers.
The strong magnetic fields near a neodymium magnet can affect pacemakers, ICDs and other implanted medical devices. Many of these devices are made with a feature that deactivates it with a magnetic field. Therefore, care must be taken to avoid inadvertently deactivating such devices.
See one of m gravity-defying creations in action!
https://youtu.be/7QcCcEo4CCI
WE LOVE CUSTOM ORDERS
Have something in mind and want us to design it for you? That’s one of our favorite things to do. Simply send along a message and let’s get your ideas made!
PROCESSING TIME
We will ship your item within 5 business days. Usually sooner! Please see our policies for more information.
THE BEAUTY OF BISMUTH
As a scientist and craftsman, I’m fascinated with the astounding properties of bismuth and love to share that with you. Please check out my shop story to see more beautiful photos of these crystals and read how it all comes together.
We love making maglev sculptures! See more of them here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Element83?ref=hdr_shop_menu§ion_id=18946779
Please note that due to everyone’s monitor displaying differently, the colors you see may vary. Also, each piece we make is handmade to order, so items may differ slightly from the one you see pictured.
Thank you for supporting handmade and for visiting my corner of the internet.
- Ernie
