Stoneridge Engineering's Lichtenberg Figure Sculpture

Stoneridge Engineering is THE Source
for Rare and Beautiful Lichtenberg Figures!
(Page updated 09/14/22 - may change without notice)

Style 29 - Two inch "Ball Lightning" Spheres

We start with beautifully polished water-clear acrylic spheres. We then bombard them with a multimillion-volt electron beam while simultaneously rotating them in order to form a spherically shaped region of internal charge. When discharged, the results are simply stunning. The lightning-like internal 3D discharges branch inward from a single external root, mostly following the curvature of the sphere. Sometimes tendrils also head directly inwards toward the center of the sphere. When illuminated from below, various display effects can be obtained depending upon how the sphere is oriented for viewing. For example, with the discharge point positioned on the side opposite to the viewer, one gets the illusion of a completely imbedded discharge that seems to originate from the very center of the sphere, sort of like an exquisitely detailed plasma ball. Rotating the sphere 90 degrees brings out long curving branched discharges that mainly follow the curvature of the sphere. It only seemed appropriate to call these beautiful sculptures "Ball Lightning" Spheres.

Each Ball Lightning Sphere is provided with a wooden or acrylic ring, or a dimpled acrylic block (provided at no additional cost). Spheres are best illuminated from below by one of our multicolor or white LED bases. Optical magnification by the sphere itself further enhances the beauty and detail of the internal discharges!

Although the technology involved in creating these figures is complex, the results are simple: they're incredible! Because of the physics of the process, most specimens will have asymmetric discharge patterns. Each figure is provided with a one-page explanation about what Lichtenberg Figures are and how they are created. If you like these specimens, you'll also want to see our incredible 2.5" and 3.5" diameter Magnabrites® (light gathering magnifiers with internal Lichtenberg Figures) and our magnificent 3" Ball Lightning spheres.

Please note: Spherical specimens should not be left in direct sunlight or illuminated by nearby halogen lights since the sphere focuses light and may cause heating, or even ignition, of nearby objects.

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Sphere shown on a multicolor light base	Another sphere, illuminated by a ROT45MC rotating multicolor light base	The birth of another Lichtenberg Figure - sphere being discharged during creation
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Close-up of another sphere on a ROT45MC rotating multicolor light base	Previous sphere oriented with discharge point opposite observer, showing 3-D internal structure	Previous sphere illuminated by a multicolor base
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Another top view, color cycled to near white via a multicolor light base	Another sphere with discharge point opposite observer, showing 3-D internal structure. Shown on a multicolor light base.	Previous sphere, with discharge point to the right, illuminated by a multicolor light base

Another sphere on a napkin ring resting on a BD753MC Multicolor Light Base	Sphere on the left rotated 90 degrees on a napkin ring resting on a BD753MC Multicolor Light Base	Same sphere but color of BD753MC light base has changed to bright blue

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