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Book 25, Question 72 · Video

What are the big orange balls on some power lines?

Video · 1:50 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 25

Those balls are markers that make power lines easier to see for low-flying airplanes and helicopters. They are bright orange or white so pilots can spot the wires from far away. Some lines also have spirals or flappers that help birds see them. These simple devices help keep both pilots and birds safe. Stay far away from power lines, and never fly a kite or climb a tree near them.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What are the big orange balls on some power lines?

The Big Idea

Some power lines have big orange balls on them. They are not decorations! They help keep pilots safe.

Easy to See

Step one: Easy to See. Those balls are markers that make power lines easier to see for low-flying airplanes and helicopters. Wires are hard to spot from the air.

Bright Colors

Step two: Bright Colors. They are bright orange or white, so pilots can spot the wires from far away. Some lines also have spirals or flappers to help birds see them.

Safety

Step three: Safety. These simple devices help keep both pilots and birds safe. Stay far away from power lines, and never fly a kite or climb a tree near them.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Orange balls warn pilots. White balls stand out too. Spirals help birds see. Flappers wave in wind.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Marker balls can be about the size of a basketball or larger. Never fly kites near lines. Never climb trees near lines. Often over valleys.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a power line crossing a valley. Add bright marker balls along it. Draw a helicopter flying safely around it. Add a bird near a spiral. Label each safety device.

Outro

The big orange balls on power lines are markers that help low-flying pilots see the wires, and spirals help birds too. Stay far from power lines. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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