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Stellanova Magnetic Levitating Globe

Floating magnetic desktop globe.

Levitating Globe
$49.95
Sold Out (more on 1/30/10)

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Overview:

Harnessing the power of Castle Grayskull, the manufacturers of this desk globe have created a levitating world. Coincidentally, you too can harness this power by simply plugging your Magnetic Levitating Globe into a standard electrical outlet.

Powerful magnets at the top and bottom of the globe allow it to suspend gracefully in mid-air.

Features & specs:

  • Approx. 12" tall (including frame)
  • Computer controlled levitation
  • Comes with an AC adapter

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Watch our Levitating Globe Video
 

Magnetic Levitating Globe

Floating desktop globe is a great desk accessory.

How the floating globe works

It's a simple premise: put magnets of opposite poles on the top and bottom of the globe. Their forces should cancel out and the globe will levitate. The theory is great except that it would require a globe that is perfectly spherical and with a completely uniform distribution of weight. Basically, this would require a magnetic levitating globe created by NASA engineers using $15,000 hammers.

The next logical step is to create magnets that can adjust their forces based upon changing conditions. For instance, if there's a little wind in the room that forces the globe in one direction or pushes it slightly up or down, the magnets could adjust their forces and keep everything balanced.

That's exactly what the Magnetic Levitating Globe does. In the top of the frame, there is a sensor that measures the magnetic field to measure the height at which the globe is suspended. In the bottom of the base, there is a microcomputer that adjusts an electronic magnet in the upper part of the frame in order to maintain suspension.

Yes, you can give it a spin

Add a magnetic floating globe to your desktop.

The magnetic Levitating Globe is fairly robust in terms of maintaining its suspension. However, it's not suspended by invisible steel cables. It's floating. So, yes, you can give it small nudges with the tip of an eraser so that it rotates freely. But, you can't smack it with your hand and expect the globe to stay floating.

$49.95

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Your questions that have been answered by the Vat19.com staff

Q: Can anything else be suspended or is it limited to the globe?
A: Only the globe can be suspended in the Levitating Globe. The globe has magnets on the top and bottom which provide the repelling force.
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Q: Have you got the brown & gold model? how much is the delivery to Brazil? Thank´s,
A: Vat19 only sells the silver and blue model of the Levitating Globe. To calculate shipping costs, click the "Get Shipping Quote" link near the top of the page or add the item to the shopping cart to get a shipping estimate.
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Q: if you spin it while its floating, approx, how long will it spin?
A: We can't accurately say how long the globe will spin. However, because the only force slowing down the spin is air friction, you are assured of a very long spin.
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Q: I lots my cord where could I get another?
A: We do not sell the power cord for the Levitating Globe separately. You could try an electronics shop as they may carry a universal AC adapter that would work.
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Q: How hard does the globe hit the base when/if it falls?
A: We don't know an exact speed or measurement of impact. However, in our tests, when we intentionally made the Levitating Globe fall, the globe and base were not damaged.
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Q: Do you have 10" diameter? Do you offer version with political maps (with country, states,and cities)
A: Unfortunately, the levitating globe you see here is the only variety we offer.
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Q: I bought the globe and I lost the AC adapter. Do you sell them? If so, $? If not do you know what the volts, amp etc are? Thanks
A: We do not sell the AC adapter separately. It is 110V.
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Q: How could you increase the weight of the globe without disrupting the magnetic field?
A: It may be possible to increase the Levitating Globe's weight a bit, but we suspect that any large increase to the weight would make it too heavy for the current configuration.
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Q: Do you ship these globe to vietnam?
A: Yes. Just use the "Get Shipping Quote" button near the top of the page to get a precise and current quote for your location.
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Q: Is this seriously the coolest thing you have ever seen? and if not what is?
A: Yes. It's in a tie for first place with every other product on Vat19.com.
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Q: Is there a model that you can plug into a USB port?
A: While a USB Magnetic Levitating Globe might exist somewhere, we don't know where.
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Q: Why don't you sell a human-sized version?
A: Because to our knowledge, a human-sized levitating globe does not exist and we don't know where people would put such a large floating globe in their house or office.
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Q: What is the consumption in watts drawn, while turned on of course? ;)
A: Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not know how many watts are consumed while the Levitating Globe is turned on. There are devices that you can buy that could measure this.
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Q: do you have 110V?
A: Yes, the model that we carry is 110V. However, if you needed it to work in another country, many travel stores carry affordable adapters.
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Q: Q. What is the size of the globe?
A: The magnetic levitating globe is about 4 inches in diameter. The stand is approximately 12 inches tall.
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Q: Is it safe to put that thing near a computer monitor? I know that magnets can cause discoloration in displays and I've got a spot on my desk that would be perfect for this thing.
A: We had one sitting about 12 inches from a monitor for several days and there were no problems. We don't recommend getting much closer than that, however. If you were to experience a problem caused by magnets, many monitors have a DeGaussing function designed to fix the issue. LCD or Flat Panel monitors are not affected by the magnets at all.
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Q: What material is the globe made out of?
A: The globe is made out of plastic.
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Q: Do you need batteries?
A: The Levitating Globe does not take batteries. It uses very little power, but it needs very consistent power, which you can only get with an AC adapter.
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Q: There are only magnets inside the globe itself? No magnets in the top or bottom part of the stand? Just sensors?
A: The Levitating Globe has magnets inside the globe itself and at the top and bottom of the stand.
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Q: WE'RE EXPLODING MARS?!?!
A: Yeah, we're not sure about that whole "exploding Mars" thing.
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Q: Are you planning on developing other floating globes, like Mars for instance? I think it would be a good seller now that we're currently exploding that planet as we speak.
A: Earth is the only floating planet available at Vat19 (hence the name Levitating Globe), but other planets would be pretty neat. You could have the entire solar system floating on your desk!
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Q: Can you Show mathematically how the magnetic fields cancel in the center of the globe? Preferably by Amperes or Gauss’s law?
A: Vat19 is in the business of selling curiously awesome gifts, not doing your homework. We hope you can understand.
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Q: does the magnet impair the functioning of the internet system?
A: The Levitating Globe will not interfere with your internet connection.
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Q: Neat, and I will probably buy one. It would've been a slam dunk had you tilted the axis... Now I havta look at your other products!
A: Thanks for the feedback.
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Q: is this something that should be unplugged at the end of the day so it wont wear out or can you leave it plugged in 24 hours a day...
A: While it's probably best to unplug any electronics at the end of the day (to save on electricity and product lifespan), this product is no more likely to wear out than any other electronic item. You shouldn't have any problems leaving it plugged in 24 hours a day.
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Q: why dus globe look round?
A: Because the earth is round.
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Q: are you a girl or boy is there more than one Question answerer guy?
A: There's more than one of us! Your question could be answered by a female or male.
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Q: when we lift all the product, we actually lift the weight of the 'stand only' or the weight of the globe and the stand?
A: If you attempt to lift the stand while the globe is floating, you will most likely cause the globe to fall.
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Q: The globe seems to spin indefinitely. Is this due to lack of friction, or do the magnets apply some torque to the globe to keep it going?
A: The Levitating Globe will eventually slow down. To the best of our knowledge, the magnets are not applying any force to keep the globe spinning. The lack of friction is what allows a small spinning force to keep the globe moving for long periods of time.
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Q: What Voltage do i use to power it if i loose the cord
A: The magnetic levitating globe uses an 18v 300mA cord.
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Q: I don't know if we have your exact product, but when we remove the stick to separate the top magnet and the globe it doesn't float, but sticks to the top. How do I fix this?
A: The manufacturer said to try getting the globe to float without using the spacer, as some people can get it to float much easier without it. Don't let it stick to the top magnet and gradually adjust the distance between the globe and the top magnet until you feel that magnetic "sweet spot".
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Q: can I get 2 equally powerful magnets and position them on the top and bottom and levitate something that way?
A: We suppose you could try, but it'd probably be very difficult. The Levitating Globe's base and globe were made specifically to perform this function, which is why it instantly works so well!
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Q: will this product help further my plans for world domination?
A: Hmm, that would depend on how good your plans are, but it couldn't hurt!
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Q: Hi, I this a current world map?
A: Based on what we can see, it appears to be current.
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Q: How do you you get the globe to float instead of sticking to the top or bottom of the globe? Ist there a trick to this?
A: Getting the magnetic levitating globe to float can be a little tricky at first. If you look inside the instruction manual, you'll find a couple of paper guides that can help you position it until you get the hang of it.
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Q: What does the globe weigh?
A: The entire box for the Levitating Globe weighs approximately 2 lbs (this includes the arm and AC adapter). The globe itself weighs about 4-6 ounces.
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Q: Where did you find this?! It's awesome!
A: We can't give away our awesome product sources!
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Q: I would like to levitate something heavier and taller than the curent globe. Is it possible to order a stronger, taller stand so that I can experiment with other floating objects?
A: The Levitating Globe stand that you see here on this page is the only magnetic stand sold by Vat19.
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Q: Are there other planets that you can buy for this? -Martian 9110223X
A: We're sorry, but Earth is the only planet that we offer for the Levitating Globe. This is not intended as a slight against Martians, and should be interpreted only as a reflection of current consumer demand.
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Q: Is there a USB version, or will there be in the near future?
A: At this time, we're not aware of anyone that produces a USB-powered levitating globe, so no, we don't have plans to carry one in the near future.
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Q: Does it have a 220v adapter? (European standard)
A: No, it is a 110V brick adapter. There are many retail stores and online shops where you can purchase a power transformer to convert 110V to 220V.
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Q: can i paint mine to look like a basketball?
A: We have not painted a Levitating Globe, but we consulted with our manufacturer and we both don't think there would be a problem if you painted the globe.
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Q: If I order more than just one globe, for example one hundred, would the the price will be the same?
A: We do offer bulk order discounts. For more information, please call us at 1-800-476-1991.
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Q: What is the globe's diameter?
A: The magnetic levitating globe's diameter is approximately 4 inches.
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Q: is it safe to keep this product within 12" of a hard disk drive?
A: We suspect that it would be OK to use a levitating globe roughly 12" from a hard disk drive, but we have not tested it.
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Q: Is this work in Zurich?
A: The Levitating Globe comes with a 110V brick adapter, which is standard in the United States. You should be able to purchase a power transformer from an electronics store or online retailer to convert it to the proper voltage to work in any country.
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Q: I had another Idea. What if you offer a floating globe with florescent paint on it, and shine a black light on it for effect? That would be interesting, just a thought.
A: The Levitating Globe comes with a blue and silver globe. We haven't heard of anyone modifying the globe with paint. Black light responsive items are cool, such as our Blue AirZooka.
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Q: During the video, when the guy spun the globe, I heard a faint sound...as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. Nice going, Vat19.com!
A: Hmm, either you're hearing things or our editor snuck in some audio.
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Total number of Burning Questions answered to date on Vat19.com: 5,443
 
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