Levitation
Levitation (from Latin levis, light) is the process by which an object is suspended against gravity, in a stable position, by a force without physical contact.
Levitation can be achieved through jets of gas pushing upwards against the object (as in air hockey), or pushing downwards from the object (as in helicopters, VTOL aircraft, and hovercraft). Levitation through forces that act at a distance, such as through magnetic force is also possible.
The concept of Levitation is also a part of some Eastern religions and magical beliefs.
A sphere can be stably levitated in a stream of air without any type of control system, if conditions are right. These effects are due to Bernoulli's principle. This was merchandised as a toy, circa 1960.
Some beliefs include ideas that are paranormal ways to levitate objects. These may include mystical or magic-related methods of raising an object off the ground. Perhaps the most stereotypically famous example is of monks and/or religious people that live a hermetic life levitating at will, a today-common element[citation needed], almost a cliche, in fiction involving monks. It is said that the Christian theologian Thomas Aquinas was seen levitating after a mystical experience. The numerous stories involving religious or religion-related/-induced levitation suggest that "true" or unaided (by apparent, or, at least, earthly forces) levitation may be a divine act or consequence of a divine revelation.
"Levitation" is also used in reference to an apparent levitation.
The original use of the word was to refer to such inexplicable claims, as in wonder stories and unauthenticated reports; the use of the word to describe an actual, physical means of "making things float in the air" is a recent development.
In science fiction and fantasy, some fictional characters possess the power to lift themselves above the ground via levitation. Example: Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed.
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