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From: harmon_c@h-sc1.UUCP (david harmon)
Newsgroups: net.misc,net.physics,net.sci
Subject: Re: Perpetual Motion (magnetic field)
Message-ID: <239@h-sc1.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 30-Mar-85 17:01:09 EST
Article-I.D.: h-sc1.239
Posted: Sat Mar 30 17:01:09 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 2-Apr-85 07:57:11 EST
References: <336@cmu-cs-k.ARPA>
Organization: Harvard Univ. Science Center
Lines: 22
Xref: watmath net.misc:7743 net.physics:2381 net.sci:318

> Although it's fairly obvious that the machine under discussion is a hoax, as
> evidenced by the conflicting stories the inventor gives about its mode of
> operation if nothing else, there isn't anything inherently ludicrous about
> extracting energy from the Earth's magnetic field, is there?  After all, it
> does have the ability to do work -- just look at what happens with a compass
> needle.  However, I have no idea what the theoretical maximum of extractable
> energy is.  Can one of you physics types tell me, or correct my speculation?
> -=-
> Tim Maroney, Carnegie-Mellon University, Networking
> ARPA:	Tim.Maroney@CMU-CS-K	uucp:	seismo!cmu-cs-k!tim
> CompuServe:	74176,1360	audio:	shout "Hey, Tim!"

There is one problem with machines drawing energy form the earths magnetic
field.  The energy yaken from the field must be taken from somewhere.  For 
example, if you use a dynamo effect (you can keep a space platform in orbit
with a few solar panels this way) the energy is taken from the Earth's energy
of rotation.  Naturally, this will cause problems only for the NBS in the near
future, though I have not worked out the effects of a widespread industry based
on something like it.  By the way, NBS is the National Bureau of Standards, who
among other things are responsible for setting the time by dawn and sunset.
		Dave Harmon
		harmon@h-sc1.arpa