By Sara Thompson
Image credit is Sara Thompson, Explorit employee.
Special to The Enterprise
People are familiar with three states of matter of solid, liquid, and gas. There is also a fourth state of matter, which is plasma. It was first identified in a laboratory in the late 1870s, by Sir William Crookes, and given the name ‘plasma’ by Irving Langmuir in the 1920s. The plasma state is reached when a gas is heated to the point that electrons are freed from molecules and becoming ionized and electrically conductive. Because the transition to plasma is not as well defined as the other states, what is considered plasma is still under interpretation and context, but there are several examples that are well recognized as a plasma.
Like the other states of matter, plasma can be artificially generated in some instances. Some fluorescent light bulbs, neon signs, plasma balls, and even plasma displays on electronics are all forms of controlled plasma states. Some fusion reactors also use plasma to combine atoms together to generate energy. There is also naturally occurring plasma as well. Lightning is probably the most recognized as natural plasma. Similarly, the aurora borealis and aurora australis are also plasma events. Stars, including the one centered in our solar system, are also made of plasma.
Learn more about plasma and our solar system at Explorit. The current exhibit is “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System” and includes a section with a plasma sphere, Jacob’s ladder, and more! In the same area learn about how the color of stars and their plasma can help us identify what elements they are made of. Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.
Explorit's coming events:
• Now is a great time to donate and help Explorit continue to educate and inspire the scientists of tomorrow: https://www.explorit.org/donate
• An Explorit Membership grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https://www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191.
Celebrate your birthday at Explorit! Offered Saturdays and Sundays between 2-4pm, this two hour program includes themed group activities and crafts, a decorated party room, and exclusive access to Explorit’s Exploration Gallery. Themes include Amazing Animals, Dynamic Dinosaurs, and our brand-new theme Blast Off! Space. Call 530-756-0191 to reserve. More information found at https://www.explorit.org/birthday-parties.
Comentarios