660-ton steel pendulum in Taipei 101 dampened 7.4-magnitude earthquake, reducing building movement by 40%.

660-ton steel pendulum known as a "tuned mass damper" inside Taipei 101, Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, helped protect the building from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The massive sphere, visible from the observatory, reduces the building's movement by up to 40%, mitigating queasiness for occupants. The damper moves back and forth during earthquakes or typhoons, absorbing force and preventing violent swinging.