This is the world's most advanced globe, capable of continuously rotating on its own without any need for human contact, cords, or batteries, and most faithfully recreating the earths rotation in space right at your desktop. Developed in the U.S. over six years by a team of physicists and artists, the globe operates in apparent violation of the laws of thermodynamics, which state that perpetual motion is impossible. The globe encloses a photoreceptor that gathers room light to power an internal drive that spins the globe by means of a force from the earth's magnetic field. The globe consumes a mere .1 microwatts (1/10th of 1 millionth of a watt) of power, an infinitesimal amount that would normally be too small to move an object of the glo bes weight, unless the drag forces were also infinitesimal. The globe is suspended in a clear liquid inside a clear acrylic shell: the liquid reduces friction against the globe, allowing it to rotate continuously and silently at a steady, gentle pace, exactly the way the earth rotates in space. The globe can even be held in the hand and it will continue to spin. The internal mechanism is imperceptible beneath the globes colorful surface that features an accurate satellite-generated image of the Earth. Prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided. 9" H (with stand) x 6 1/2" Diam. (4 1/2 lbs.)