O
P
P
O
S
I
T
E
P
A
G
E
:
M
A
R
T
I
N
C
A
P
E
K
/
S
H
U
T
T
E
R
S
T
O
C
K
.
T
H
I
S
P
A
G
E
:
J
I
N
L
I
W
A
N
G
/
X
I
N
H
U
A
/
A
L
A
M
Y
L
I
V
E
N
E
W
S
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
.
DISCOVER 39
Everyday static
electricity may be the
world’s most plentiful
source of renewable,
sustainable power.
BY STEPHEN ORNES
By shaking a red ball within
its clear container, a scientist
generates static electricity that
could theoretically power cities.