Just how do those Mova globes move by themselves when exposed to light?

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How MOVA Globes Work The MOVA globes rotate peacefully and silently using only the energy of room light and the force of the earth’s magnetic field. This is possible because the MOVA globe is actually an inner globe that rotates and is contained within an outer shell made of very clear acrylic that does not rotate. The thin space between the inner globe and outer shell is filled with a safe, perfectly clear fluid that buoyantly supports the inner globe completely out of contact with the outer shell. This inner globe, floating and turning in a virtually friction-free environment and energized by light, is analogous to the earth itself. The optical properties of the outer shell and fluid are carefully chosen so that the graphic features on the surface of the inner globe are magnified and appear to be on the outer surface of the outer shell. This means that the outer shell actually appears to move. The MOVA globe can rest on an attractive three fingered stand that is provided, or on just about any other kind of stand that can be chosen to complement it’s graphic design. The MOVA globe appears to rotate in spite of resting on the stand, in quiet defiance of commonly held ideas about the laws of friction. A carefully designed, and highly efficient drive mechanism within the inner globe drives the rotation even in room light. Energy for the drive is provided by very advanced solar cells within the inner globe, illuminated by light passing through the graphic on the globe. The drive includes a magnetic element that reacts with the earth’ s magnetic field, much as a common compass does, to provide torque to drive the globe. All of these elements of the MOVA globe cooperate to create a beautiful, magical object that provides a meditative point of focus to any room. http://www.1ststoptravelstore.com/Mova_globe_solar_power_revolving-earth.htm Mar 09 10, 5:07 PM

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If you are wondering how this marvelous globe really works instead of believing in magic. The globe has a small industrial strength magnet inside it, which acts like a stabilizer that forces perpetual silent rotation of the globe against the liquid. The earth’s own magnetic field keeps this internal magnet in an N-S alignment. The torque from the motor counters the torque that is generated by the earth’s magnetic field. http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20051231/mova-globe/ Mar 09 10, 5:09 PM