Lévitation

Lévitation is a phenomenon where an object floats in the air without any visible means of support. While often associated with paranormal claims and magic, the term can also refer to scientifically understood processes.

In the realm of pseudoscience and parapsychology, lévitation is considered an ability to defy gravity through mental power or spiritual means. Numerous historical accounts and anecdotal evidence describe individuals, particularly religious figures or spiritualists, levitating during trance states or meditation. However, these claims have not been substantiated by rigorous scientific investigation. Many instances have been attributed to trickery, illusion, or misinterpretation.

Scientifically, lévitation can be achieved through various physical principles. Magnetic levitation, or maglev, utilizes powerful magnetic fields to repel and suspend objects. This technology is employed in high-speed trains, where the train floats above the track, reducing friction and allowing for greater speeds. Acoustic levitation uses sound waves to create pressure gradients that can suspend small, lightweight particles. Electrodynamic suspension is another method that uses electromagnetic forces to levitate objects. These scientific forms of lévitation are reproducible and measurable, distinct from the unverified claims of paranormal lévitation. The study of these phenomena continues to advance in fields such as physics and engineering.