Ever wonder what astrophysicists do on their days off? Some create cool toys - such as the amazing Astroblaster™! Created to demonstrate the dynamics of a SUPER NOVA, this toy provides an example of 'conservation of momentum'. OK - what that really means is that when dropped, the top ball launches into the air - UP TO 5 TIMES THE HEIGHT DROPPED! The Astroblaster™ comes with two extra launch-balls and a pair of safety glasses.

The famous astrophysicist, Dr. Stirling Colgate, created the Astro-Blaster to demonstrate the awesome kinetic power of a super-nova. Each Astro-Blaster comes with the story explaining how this toy and a super-nova are related. Each Astro-Blaster also comes with two extra balls—because this much fun can't be contained indoors!

Features:

• Reaches Amazing Heights When Dropped!
• New Higher Bouncing Balls!
• Works like a Real Super Nova!
• A Real Multiple Collision Accelerator!
• Two Extra Balls Included
• Recommended for Ages 8 and Up
• Choking Hazard: Toy contains small balls.

Physics of the Astro-Blaster

Astro-Blaster illustrates the laws of conservation of momentum and energy during the creation of a supernova (an old star, that having exhausted its nuclear fuel, collapses upon itself in less than a second). A shock wave speeds outward from the center through the collapsed material, moving faster and faster as it reaches less dense layers toward the surface. This shock wave accelerates an outermost thin layer of the collapsed star to relativistic speeds, creating 'cosmic rays' that spread throughout our galaxy. The Gravitational collapse of the dying star is illustrated by Astro-Blaster's fall to the surface. The shock wave accelerating outward through the star is illustrated by a wave of increasing speed as the result of the impact which is felt by the lighter balls nearer the top. The supernova explosion and release of cosmic rays is illustrated by the rapid departure of the top ball at high speed.