Weather Donkey: (repeat post from science section)

[mimififi]

Hi there you guys! I recently posted a question in 'body and soul' about an artefact that I remember from my childhood. I am trying to get hold of one as the object holds so many memories for me, (You can read my novella in the other section, I'll spare you here!).

The item is a 'weather donkey' and apparently, according to other ABers, were very popular in sea side towns in the 60s and 70s. The one I remember from my Nanna's house was a small ceramic donkey, in kind of a rough finish, and she had glitter on her too (sooooo beautiful). She turned from blue to pink depending on the weather. You could use her to determine if it was going to rain or not.

It has been suggested by a wise ABer that it might possibly work on the principals of the properties of silica gel depicting how much moisture is in the air and thus, because of the unsafe chemicals, are no longer sold to the public.

So, what do all you scientists reckon? How would something like this work, and would there be any just reason for them not being sold anymore other than them falling out of favour?

Awaiting answers in anxious anticipation.....who can shed some light on this here deep, and insome ways painful childhood memory?????

Thinking caps on, fingers at the ready........set......type away!

[JSK]

wow, that really does bring back some memories!

[PhilBy]

You must of had a middle class upbringing.... we only had a length of sea weed hanging up in the back yard :-)