Anti-Gravity?

This morning, the Class 95 Morning Show was discussing about the "cyclists on pavements" problem again. Found it interesting that many people actually have encountered inconsiderate cyclists. FD made a valid point that what this problem actually boils down to is the need for graciousness in our society. I totally agree. We need a more gracious, considerate society. Singaporeans are always rushing everywhere, so much so that we all tend to forget to consider the effects of many of our actions on others...

Anyway today's article is on Anti-Gravity, which, when made and become common place, would probably result in Back to the Future like skateboards zooming around our pavements, creating another debate. ;) But, as far fetched as it may seem, scientists have actually discovered a possible, feasible method to accomplish this. This method follows a theory by Einstein (who else) and attempts to generate a force-field that is similar to gravitational force. This force-field can then be used to enhance or repel the effects of gravity. The good news is that with funding, we may see a working prototype in 5 years or so. The bad news is that we don't know for sure that it will work, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Ever since electricity was tamed in the 19th century, the idea of manipulating gravity by altering an electromagnetic field has been the subject of intriguing experiments and occasional bursts of irrational exuberance. Physicists insist that because gravity is a basic force of nature, constructing an antigravity machine is theoretically impossible. But recently, and not without some reluctance, they have begun to consider another possibility. Several highly respected physicists say it might be possible to construct a force-field machine that acts on all matter in a way that is similar to gravity. Strictly speaking, it wouldn't be an antigravity machine. But by exerting an attractive or repulsive force on all matter, it would be the functional equivalent of the impossible machine.

While an operational device is at least five years in the future, developers of what can be loosely termed a force-field machine say it has cleared major theoretical hurdles. To demonstrate their claim, they invited POPULAR MECHANICS to visit their Huntsville, Ala., laboratory to see the most important component of their proof-of-concept demonstrator. It is a 12-in.-dia. high-temperature superconducting disc (HTSD). When the force-field machine is complete, a bowling ball placed anywhere above this disc, which resembles a clutch plate, will stay exactly where you left it.

Click here for the full article.