Ballance egg on end on winter solstice

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SUMMARY

Balancing an egg on its end is possible during the winter solstice, which occurs when the Earth is at its solar minimum and experiences the shortest day of the year. This phenomenon is often misattributed to gravitational effects related to the sun and moon, but it is primarily a matter of skill and practice rather than a unique physical occurrence. The claim that balancing an egg is only possible at the equinox is an urban legend, as it can be done on various dates throughout the year. Phil Plait from BadAstronomy.com provides a demonstration of this technique in his video.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly gravity.
  • Familiarity with the concept of the winter solstice.
  • Knowledge of urban legends and their impact on scientific misconceptions.
  • Experience with practical demonstrations of balance and stability.
NEXT STEPS
  • Watch Phil Plait's video on balancing an egg at YouTube.
  • Research the physics of balance and stability in objects.
  • Explore the significance of the winter solstice in various cultures.
  • Investigate other urban legends related to scientific phenomena.
USEFUL FOR

Anyone interested in physics, educators looking to debunk myths, and individuals curious about seasonal phenomena will benefit from this discussion.

lortech
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Well, I missed the opportunity to try this.

Seems, within the first one two two minutes, you can balance a egg on its end when the Earth is at its solar minimum called the winter solstice..the shortest day of the year.

Now, I figure, the Earth's gravitational constant in relation to the sun and moon have a play in this phenomena? Anyone care to explain what is happening in this case with physics math?
 
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Not much to explain. That "balancing an egg at the equinox" is an urban legend--no basis in fact.

Here's a video from Phil Plait (BadAstronomy.com) showing how he balances an egg:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrhdR0G2PQ0
 
Yes, you can balance an egg on the solstice. And on the equinox. And on Christmas, Arbor Day and St. Mungo's Day. It takes a little bit of practice, that's all.
 

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