There's been some hulabuloo lately on the Internet regarding brooms which magically stand completely unassisted because of the alignment of the sun, the moon's gravitational pull, the equinox, or the way the planets have aligned. It's further stated that this phenomenon only occurs two times a year when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are about equal in length. Sounds pretty darn mystical, doesn't it? Unfortunately, as with most things, there is a rational explanation for this supposed phenomenon.
The broom can stand by itself because the center of gravity is directly above the edge on which it balances. And the bristles are soft enough to spread out a bit at the contact point with the floor and provide a stable base to support the handle and allow the broom to balance.
We tried it at work and, sure enough, the broom did stand all by itself! Even knowing the true explaination, it sure provided for a very freaky scene. Now, if only we could get it to sweep by itself!
8 comments:
C'mon Kim ... who'd you clone out?? ;-)
Great shot and story!
Can I borrow the ghost who sweeps your house? LOL
Tell the Truth, It is a Witches of Westwick Broom right? and your just another of the Systers, Lot of you coming out into the open as Halloween approaches I notice, Lucky I'm Safe in Australia.
Glad things slow down at your office...
Ellen's comment made me laugh out loud!!
Very interesting photo and phenom (cue spooky music.....)
PS: Just tried this with a Swiffer Duster. Failed miserably.
Looks very similar to my Mother in Law's broomstick
Reminds me of The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
Ooooh! Alan! You are very brave! ;-)
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