Review on 🌞 Revolutionary Radiometer: TEDCO 01800 Sheds Light on Solar Energy by Michael Keegan

This delightful little device has been around for years. This is the approximate size and shape of a standard clear lightbulb with a base you can stand on. Inside, instead of a thread, is a small design of four square blades held on a sharp needle, which allows the device to rotate. The wings are painted white on one side and black on the other. Under the influence of direct sunlight, the slats rotate; The brighter and purer the light, the faster they spin. The physics of this is explained in the inset. No batteries required, just place it on a sunny windowsill and watch it work! This is truly a stunning and mesmerizing demonstration of the power of the sun. It doesn't matter that now that I'm older I understand physics, it's still a wonderful and amazing thing. It's fun for young and old, but is probably more appropriate for older kids who are starting to get interested in how the world works, and for adults who still have a certain amount of wonder at natural processes like solar energy. But based on its durability, I'd easily give it five stars just for its coolness and educational value. There is no denying that this is a delicate item that cannot withstand the rigors of baby's attention; Mine was immediately placed on a sunny windowsill where it died out after two weeks of brisk rotation. It seems that another factor in physics, friction, led to its downfall. I don't know if the cap that sits on the needle wasn't made of a material that wasn't strong enough, or if an initial dab of graphite lube would have helped. (I won't leave the question unanswered: yes, it was perfectly sunny when it stopped) The blades don't get stuck as the device wobbles and rotates due to the physical effects of device rotation, but they can no longer move, due to sunlight alone. Energy. At first I thought the price was reasonable for such a cool device. But that doesn't matter for a two week lifespan and way more than I'm willing to spend on a paperweight. I don't want to give three stars to what really should be an excellent little science experiment. Maybe mine was a failure - I really hope so because like so many others I rely on Revain reviews to help guide my purchasing decision and I don't want to believe that some can't experience it based on reviews. A word of warning to tempters for those who want to try: I think you'll love it, but it might not last long.