Gadget I can't remember the name of

[sastanack]

Silly question

There's something I want to get as a present for someone and I can't for the life of me remember what it's called. I've tried googling all sorts of phrases with no luck.

Its a vacuum that looks like an hourglass shape but there's panels inside, black on one side and whatever lighter colour on the other side. Light hits the black side and causes it to move.

A sort of does-light-have-mass thing.

Anyone know what I'm talking about?

[RealSquirrels]

crookes radiometer?

[sastanack]

Yes! You're the best!

Just spent ages on google. Should have checked with PH first.


My sister became a Doctor in some physics or other yesterday. Any suggestions on a good present to get her?

[RealSquirrels]

i got a really nice pen when i got mine. a watch or some special jewellery? I like the idea of a science-related one too, the radiometer thing is cool, can't think of anything else off the top of my head though.

[sastanack]

She got a radiometer for her birthday a while ago and I'm stealing the idea for a friend at work (who's learning for the fun of it, and doing his masters from home)

Doesn't really go for jewellery, or anything of that ilk to be honest. I like the pen idea but I don't know if it would go down well at the moment.. could start eyeing up something nice and have it for when she gets a fancy job

[Guvernator]

Come on, their really is only one answer to this.

Plasma Globe

Hours of fun.

No need to thank me

[sastanack]

Pssh, she's not getting it

Even looking at that makes me feel like a mad scientist

I'm off to back brush my hair and stick electrodes into the cats

[Simpo Two]

sastanack said:

My sister became a Doctor in some physics or other yesterday. Any suggestions on a good present to get her?

The only thing that tops a radiometer is a low temperature Stirling engine.

http://www.stirlingengine.co.uk/LowTemperatureStir...

I have both

[Smiler.]

Guvernator said:

Come on, their really is only one answer to this.

Plasma Globe

Hours of fun.

No need to thank me

From the comments on one video:

[sastanack]

Simpo Two said:

sastanack said:

My sister became a Doctor in some physics or other yesterday. Any suggestions on a good present to get her?

The only thing that tops a radiometer is a low temperature Stirling engine.

http://www.stirlingengine.co.uk/LowTemperatureStir...

I have both

..what is this thermoacoustic jobbie?

laser engraving!

[Simpo Two]

sastanack said:

..what is this thermoacoustic jobbie?

Hmm, something like a tiny pulse jet coupled to a reciprocating jobbie would be interesting...

[Einion Yrth]

Simpo Two said:

reciprocating jobbie

You're not Scottish, are you?