Pushing out other MCs on mouse over

I came across this homepage feature on BP’s website:

http://www.bp.com/bodycopyarticle.do?categoryId=1&contentId=7052055

…when you mouse over the circular objects, they scale and the others slide out of the way. i’m curious how the effect is created to simulate this ‘move-aside’ reaction.

Is there some sort of math involved, can anyone shed some light on this for me please? Thanks!