How to Balance an Egg on the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox

A Chinese folk legend may have given rise to the idea that you can only balance a raw egg on its end during the vernal or autumnal equinox. Actually you can balance one on any day of the year. Here's how.

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You Will Need

  • Several raw eggs
  • Flat surface
  • Persistence

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Select an egg

    Select an egg whose base is slightly rough. The roughness will provide support for the egg.

  2. Balancing an egg is difficult because the egg yolk sits high in the egg and is usually off-center.

  3. Step 2

    Select a surface

    Locate a flat surface to balance the egg on. The surface should not be perfectly smooth. It is easier to balance an egg on a woven mat than on a glass surface.

  4. Step 3

    Try to balance the egg

    Attempt to place the egg on end on the surface.

  5. Step 4

    Be persistent

    Continue trying to balance the egg. If you are unsuccessful, try another egg or another surface. Now amaze your friends with your new-found talent!

  6. Birds known as megapodes, which can be found in Australia, deposit their eggs in decaying vegetation, keeping them warm until they hatch much like an incubator.

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