Tesla's Lamp – Exploratorium

This iconic scientific lamp was initially created by Nikola Tesla in 1894, following his experiments with high-voltage currents. The plasma ball demonstrates the properties of electrical discharges, which you can control with your fingers as you touch the lamp. The orb is a sphere with most of its air replaced with thr

This iconic scientific lamp was initially created by Nikola Tesla in 1894, following his experiments with high-voltage currents. The plasma ball demonstrates the properties of electrical discharges, which you can control with your fingers as you touch the lamp.

The orb is a sphere with most of its air replaced with three noble (inert) gases – neon, argon, and xenon. A high-frequency alternating current electrode is in the center, discharges, and excites filaments that strike inside the globe. The filament will move as the gas around it heats up. Touching the glass creates an attraction spot. This makes a brighter, thinner tendril of plasma.

8 in diameter.
Ages: 8+

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