Jupiter – Magnetic Levitation Kinetic Sculpture

Jupiter comes to life in this handcrafted kinetic sculpture. A solid 8 mm, 2.30-gram magnetic sphere floats inside a tunnel of diamagnetic bismuth, balanced precisely between gravity and magnetic force. The result is stable, permanent levitation—no electricity or cooling required.

This piece captures the grandeur of the largest planet in our solar system. Jupiter has inspired stargazers for centuries, and even through simple binoculars you can watch its moons appear and disappear as they pass through its massive shadow. With a telescope, faint moon shadows drift across its surface, offering some of the most stunning sights in amateur astronomy.

The sculpture features an 8 mm floating sphere set within a bismuth tunnel. Each piece is crafted by hand and ships from the U.S. within 2-4 days.

Artist Statement

These sculptures are my meditation on balance. In childhood, balance is simple—a seesaw. In adulthood, it becomes a spinning ball on a fingertip, wobbling unpredictably. Here, the wobble is removed, leaving smooth, effortless stability. A twist of the top magnet raises or lowers the sphere, but underneath the simplicity is a precise and fascinating interplay of forces.

The Science

Bismuth is the most diamagnetic metal on Earth. Its paired electrons generate a small but steady repulsive force when exposed to a magnetic field. A stronger magnet above the sphere removes most of its weight, allowing that faint repulsion to create a stable pocket where the sphere can float indefinitely. This balance of attraction, repulsion, and gravity makes the sculpture both calming and scientifically remarkable.

– Ernie