Mike Flynn’s Ferrofluid Magnetoscope

Science
Mike Flynn’s Ferrofluid Magnetoscope
ferroFluid_2.jpg
ferroFluid_1.jpg

Being at a Maker Faire, you can tell what’s making an impact by what you overhear people excitedly talking about. At World Maker Faire, there was the usual chatter about old favorites like the Life Size Moustrap and Coke Zero and Mentos, and lots of excited chatter over ArcAttack!, the Madagascar Institute’s Chariot Races and their Jet Ponies (actually, nobody heard what was said about the Jet Ponies ’cause they were REALLY LOUD).

But one of the quieter indoor exhibits that garnered a lot of buzz was Mike Flynn’s Ferrofluid Magnetoscope. Mike showed this at Maker Faire Detroit and San Mateo, too. To operate it, pairs of users strategically position magnets to sculpt a levitating puddle of ferrofluid. It’s super fun to operate, and to watch others operate, and creates an experience that people want to talk about afterwards. Very cool. Above are a couple of pictures taken by Blake Maloof and a video from 2008 of the Magnetoscope in action.

Magnetoscope

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK