Magnetic Hills of Ladakh and other places around the world that defy gravity
Our planet Earth has some amazing places that will make your mind boggle. The spotted lake in Canada shines brilliantly under sunlight due to its diverse collection of minerals, then there is the Jervis Bay in Australia where the sea sparkles due to bioluminescence at night. There are many geographical wonders like these that make us marvel at nature's splendour. Some places, beautiful as they may be, make you ask, “Are these for real?” Well, let’s surprise you a bit more! There are places Gin this world that defy gravity! Yes, you read that right. Gravity doesn’t seem to exist in these parts of the world. Let's guide you through some of these locations and the science behind their rebellious act against gravity.
Magnetic Hills of Ladakh
What happens if you push a rock from the top of a hill? It rolls down. What would happen if you were driving uphill and suddenly came to a stop without using your brakes? Your car will start moving backward, down the hill, right? This would happen on any other hill but not on Ladakh's Magnetic Hill. Gravity has taken a leave of absence here. A small section of the Leh-Kargil highway draws stationary vehicles upwards. If you turn off the engine, your car can travel at 20km/hr on this road. This road's wonder has earned many nicknames, including ‘The Mystery Hill’ and ‘Gravity Hill.’
Why does this occur? There are two possible explanations for this phenomenon. The first reason could be what gave the road its popular name: Magnetic Hill. The hill is thought to have a strong magnetic force that pulls the vehicle upwards. To avoid magnetic interference on their device, the Indian Air Force avoids flying over this hill. The second reason is the theory of optical illusion. According to this school of thought, the road actually goes downhill and only seems to go uphill! Whatever the reason may be, one thing you can agree on is that the road is that the experience is truly interesting!
Hoover Dam in the US
The gravity-defying spectacle of the Hoover Dam, which is roughly the size of two football stadiums, is well known. Gravity operates differently in this dam, located over the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. Instead of pulling objects down, it shoots them up! Doesn't that sound like science fiction? he dam's structure is the reason why things don't fall down here. The dam generates such a strong updraft that it pushes things back up against gravity. Built between 1931 and 1936, it draws millions of tourists.
Reverse Waterfall of Faroe Islands
Faroe Island's reverse waterfall is another mind-boggling natural phenomenon. A waterfall, which should fall downwards according to science, flows upwards here! Faroe Island's waterfall is one of its kind indeed! Inverted waterfalls are said to occur when a strong gust of wind blows into a regular waterfall. A stream of water is sprayed upwards as a result of this. What an amazing sight!
The Golden Boulder in Myanmar
If you go to Myanmar, you will find a gigantic rock covered with gold, resting on the edge of Mount Kyaiktiyo. What’s unique about this rock is not that it's covered in gold but the fact that it sits on the edge of a hill without rolling off! The rock has been sitting at a height of 49ft for more than 2500 years. No one knows the science behind its unusual behaviour and why gravity is not playing its role. Legend has it that the rock is supported by Lord Buddha’s hair which prevents it from falling. Intriguing, isn’t it?