  We consider general aspects of the physics underlying the flight of Gossamer
spiders, also known as ballooning spiders. We show that existing observations
and the physics of spider silk in the presence of the Earth's static
atmospheric electric field indicate a potentially important role for
electrostatic forces in the flight of Gossamer spiders. A compelling example is
analyzed in detail, motivated by the observed "unaccountable rapidity" in the
launching of such spiders from H.M.S. Beagle, recorded by Charles Darwin during
his famous voyage.
