Last night I lay awake trying to force myself back into a proper diurnal schedule. It’s 4 AM or so and I find myself laying on my back, throwing a white balloon towards the ceiling and watching it glide back down, gracefully curving in whatever direction the nozzle is pointing. (due to aerodynamics, I suppose)
As it nears the ceiling, I see a flicker of light. At first I figure it’s merely the street lamp, flooding annoyingly in my window, reflecting off the white balloon surface and dancing on the roof… but it has an odd look about it. A few more investigative tosses and I discover the truth.
As the balloon gets within one foot of my compact fluorescent light bulbs, they spring to life with a dull, flickering glow. Of course, interesting things like this are the last thing you need when trying to fall asleep. I’m now more awake and conducting science experiments with my lamp.
It’s the static electricity in the balloon that is exciting the mercury/phosphor (I’m not sure which) in the bulb. Rubbing the balloon against my head strengthened the glow effect (and my hairstyle). The reaction starts happening about a foot away, and curiously the bulb stays dark if neither object is moving.
Now, the practical life lesson here is this. Should you find yourself lost on a remote island with only a balloon and a fluorescent bulb, you can combine the two to make a signaling device. Probably not bright enough for passing airplanes, but very effective should somebody else happen to be walking along the beach.
Now I know what you’re thinking! If I’m stuck on a deserted island where am I going to find a balloon? Fortunately, the effect can also be created using any fluorescent bulb and a cat.
This could save your life some day. You’re welcome.
- Source: a restless mind
