How To: Make an amazing floating static orb

Learn how to make this spooky, amazing floating static orb.

This is so simple, and so cool. It uses static electricity to make a tinsel orb levitate above a PVC pipe. We've gotten the orb to float for over 10 minutes. We just discovered you can use a regular balloon instead of the PVC pipe, but we like the pipe best. Watch the video, and then make your own!

YOU WILL NEED:
* 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide PVC Pipe about 24 inches (60cm) long. You can also use a regular balloon if you do not have PVC pipe.
* Mylar tinsel for Christmas trees. There are many types of tinsel - you should look for the thinnest possible. Our is about 1 millimeter wide. If it is much wider than that, the orb may be too heavy to levitate. (see below to get tinsel from Bob)
* A head of clean, dry hair
* Scissors

1. Arrange 6 strands of mylar together and tie them together in a knot at one end.
2. Tie them together again about 6 inches (15cm) from the first knot.
3. Cut the loose mylar strands off just past each knot.
4. Charge the PVC pipe by rubbing it back and forth through your hair for 10 seconds.
5. Hold the mylar orb (by the knot) above the charged pipe and let it drop and touch the pipe.
6. It should repel away and start floating. If not, gently shake off the orb (without touching it) and then use the pipe to control it as it floats. It may take some practice to get it to float just right - keep trying. You will probably have to "recharge" the pipe before each levitation.