Eggs balance on end in Dexter during fall equinox

DEXTER, Mo. — Even though scientists readily dismiss the theory, Gregory Banken and friends at his business in downtown Dexter demonstrated that eggs could indeed be stood on their end during the fall equinox. They bought a dozen eggs Monday and began their experiment at exactly 11:44 a.m. That was the exact time when the earth's gravitational forces were perfectly aligned, according to Banken. They stood a dozen eggs on end at that time, and about 10 to 15 minutes later the eggs began to roll back to their sides.

Tradition has it that the idea of eggs standing on end due to gravitational pull dates back to the Chinese. The myth more commonly associates the egg mystery with the spring equinox. Folklore has it that eggs are a symbol of fertility and also a new beginning. The end of winter and the beginning of spring was eagerly anticipated in years gone by, and most people today breath a sigh of relief as winter lets go of its hold on the earth. Another theory advanced a notion that the egg's perfect balance was a sign that the forces of the earth were in perfect harmony.

Both the spring and fall equinox, this year Sept. 22 for the fall equinox, mark the exact time when the days and nights are of equal length. During that 24-hour period, the day is 12 hours and the night is 12 hours long.

The theory advanced by those supporting the egg phenomenon is that "due to the sun's equidistant position between the poles of the earth during the equinox, special gravitational forces apply."

Scientist are united in their dismissal of such a theory. They contend and have demonstrated that "you can balance an egg any time of year." They even offer a series of suggestions for balancing the egg whenever the urge comes over you to get an egg stand on its end.

Still, it was uncanny how easily the eggs stood on end at Gregory's. They had one on the counter inside the store, and the rest were resting comfortably on the sidewalk outside. As predicted, the eggs began to lose their equilibrium some 10 to 15 minutes later and took their natural position.

Of course, one Internet commentator offered the following synopsis: "What everyone wanted and needed was a familiar, reassuring ritual to demonstrate that all was right with the world."