Acoustic Levitation

• 4 years | 3 minutes | Science/Phenomena

Acoustic Levitation

Experiments with sound and acoustic levitation have been going on for a while now and researchers have only managed to levitate tiny particles and liquid droplets, but there have been some interesting breakthroughs that suggest large-scale acoustic levitation of heavy or large objects may soon be possible. 



To start the levitation process, a metal rod would be struck on the stone. After that, the stone would glide along on a fenced path with metal poles placed on each side. Some people think the pole could have been used to create the high-frequency sound vibrations that made the stones levitate. Other than this one written account, there is no direct evidence to suggest the pyramids were constructed by acoustic levitation.

The Great Pyramid of Giza does have some extraordinary acoustic properties. Studies have shown that sounds generated at certain frequencies are dramatically amplified, demonstrating that ancient Egyptians did know a lot about sound and how it could be used to produce powerful effects. Could they have had the ability levitate?

Another possible use of sonic or acoustic levitation is the coral castle in Florida. A stone city built by Edward Leedskalnin between the years 1923 and 1951. Coral castle is constructed from close to 1,000 tons of rock, that Leedskalnin somehow cut, shaped, lifted and maneuvered into place all by himself. There have never been any witnesses to say they saw or heard how Leedskalnin managed to create this amazing monument without any help. All we know is that he said knew how to tune in to “the music of the stars,” and is quotes saying, “I have discovered the secrets of the pyramids and have found out how the Egyptians and the ancient builders in Peru, Yucatan and Asia, with only primitive tools, raised and set in place blocks of stone weighing many tons!” Implicating that somehow these ancient people had a method for overcoming the force of gravity. It’s unknown how he knew this method, but there are reports that he was a practicing Freemason and may have gotten this secret knowledge through his contacts in that organization.

There are also tales from travelers in the far east of mystics who can levitate objects with what seems like acoustic levitation. In one story from Tibet in 1939, by a doctor named Jarl, who went to treat an unknown illness of a Tibetan Buddhist holy man. Later, as a gift of gratitude to Dr. Jarl the Monks preformed their levitation skills to show their appreciation. Dr. Jarl reported being amazed as the monks started playing drums, trumpets and chanted the same song at the same time around a large heavy stone. Eventually the stone lifted into the air, and it continued to rise until it landed on a hilltop about 800 feet (250 meters) above the ground. Did these Monks possess ancient knowledge that has been forgotten and is now being rediscovered?

Recent experiments in acoustic levitation are uncovering other methods of using sound as a way to levitate objects. None have levitated heavy objects, but the objects are getting larger. Small lightweight polystyrene balls have been levitated, and advancements in this study are quickly progressing. Although this may not seem impressive, it does show that Acoustic levitation is real. And as scientists learn more about manipulating sound waves, the ability to levitate can only go “up” from here.