I recently saw this nodding bird in its holder in a junk shop and I immediately thought of its iconic use in the beginning of ALIEN as the data flashes over it.
I suspect it is the shift in balance point as capillary action draws fluid to the head, then it evaporates. I probably shouldn't have kept mine on the window sill.
My Uncle has one on his home bar. I read an article in a science maga that explained how it works.
ReplyDeleteThat would be interesting to know Anon.
DeleteMagazine
ReplyDeleteI did have one Woodsy, but I mis-Slade it !
ReplyDeleteHee hee, I'm losing my marbles Mish but then again, we're all crazy now!
DeleteWe never had one of those nodding birds, but there was a time when they seemed to be everywhere. I have not seen one in years.
ReplyDeleteI agree Paul, much more common in the past.
DeleteYep, I had one. They were ubiquitous.
ReplyDeleteDid you try to project data across it Kev ALIEN-style?
DeleteNo, I tried to keep the thing working, it was really temperamental.
DeleteIs it the sloshing fluid that makes it nod Kev? Drag and friction would slow it down I guess.
DeleteI suspect it is the shift in balance point as capillary action draws fluid to the head, then it evaporates. I probably shouldn't have kept mine on the window sill.
DeleteActually, I was wrong, the fluid moves as a result of pressure differences brought about by evaporative cooling.
ReplyDeleteNice one Kev! Fascinating stuff. Cheers.
Deletehttps://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/science-questions/question608.htm
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