10,000 pound kugel sphere is a fascinating wonder of engineering

Kugel fountains are often called floating sphere fountains but the sphere is not actually floating. It is held in place by pressurized water that forms a thin film on which the sphere aquaplanes. These are water features or sculptures where the sphere sits in a fitted hollow in a pedestal. Pressurized water flows between the sphere and socket, creating a mechanical hydrostatic bearing that is nearly frictionless. These spheres can weigh thousands of kilograms, but the efficient bearing allows them to be spun by the force of a hand. The sphere does not float, being denser than water. They are often made from granite. The hydraulics of the fountain can be controlled so that the axis of rotation of the sphere changes continually.
This kugel fountain sits outside the Guinness Book of World Records Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada. The sphere is massive, weighing more than 4,500kg (10,000lbs) and measuring almost 2m (6 feet) in diameter but a person can apply a small amount of pressure to stop the ball from rotating. The direction of the sphere can be changed easily. It is a true feat of engineering to manufacture such a precise structure that the water can hold it off the pedestal.
These guests to Niagara Falls found this structure very fascinating as they figured out the principle behind it. They posed for pictures with it as they began to understand what they were seeing.
Kugel fountains can be found all over the world. Many are at popular tourist destinations, such as science museums, shopping centers, lobbies, and gardens. With a little imagination, there is no end to what the human mind can invent.