Solar Powered Spinning Globe: Solar Technology Brings Fascinating Realism Down to Earth

I have seen the most technologically advanced globe ever made. The globe is encased in a liquid-filled acrylic sphere. Even though this is a powered, spinning globe, there are no cords, sockets, plugs, battery compartments, or anything that would take away from this globe’s realistic appearance.

With a built-n photoreceptor, this perpetual motion globe uses ambient room light (natural and artificial) and the Earth’s magnetic field to power the internal spinning mechanism. When there is a lot of light in the room, the globe spins twice per minute. When the light is dim, the globe slows accordingly. When there is no light, the globe stops.

This approximately 6” solar powered spinning globe comes with an acrylic display stand; however, the globe will continue to spin with or without the stand.

There are at least two versions of this globe. Hammacher Schlemmer & Company, Inc. sells a political version with most of the standard labels. 1-World Globes sells and a satellite version with no labels. I find the satellite version to be far more stylish and attractive, but the choice is yours. Both versions sell for about $500.