ATOMIC FIREWORKS

HIGH RESOLUTION EXHIBIT PICTURES

a selection of the images exhibited at the International Center of Photography and the National Museum of American History

From the late 1920's, Science Service news syndicate sent out thousands of photographs showing the activities of scientists. This virtual exhibit highlights some of these photographs.

each particle is bathed in its own golden cloudlet of glowing sodium vapor as it moves upward in the main arc stream and then curves gracefully outward, fading as it approaches the surface of the globe

ATOMIC FIREWORKS

CD 1966007 E&MP27.089

Electric Lighting

no date (possibly 1934-39)

This great, crystal-clear globe produces a weird and startlingly brilliant yellow and purple display akin to a miniature pyrotechnic bonfire.

It all takes place when particles of sodium tossed from the pool at the base of the globe become electrically charged and rise against gravitation in the electric field of the discharge.

Each particle is bathed in its own golden cloudlet of glowing sodium vapor as it moves upward in the main arc stream and then curves gracefully outward, fading as it approaches the surface of the globe.