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Posted on October 24, 2007 by Jason Petrina | Posted under Travel and Leisure
The Development Of Neon Signs
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In fact, you may be actually quite surprised to learn that the basic idea behind neon signs was first developed in 1675 by a French astronomer. It was at this time that a slight glow within a tube of mercury was first observed when the tube was shaken. At the time the astronomer did not understand exactly how and why this occurred, but did recognize it as a fascinating phenomenon. It would not be until much later that the cause of this reaction was determined to be static electricity. Eventually the name of barometric light would be given to this peculiar glow. While early scientists may not have understood what caused the glow, this did not stop them from further investigation. It is interesting to note that as the field of glassblowing developed in the mid-19th century; some surprising discoveries were made regarding barometric light that would later affect the development of neon signs. Experiments were conducted in which gas from the barometric tube would be placed under low pressure and combined with electrical voltage. Under these conditions, the light would begin to glow. Further experiments continued as the field of electricity developed. The first neon signs similar to the signs that we know today were actually first developed around the turn of the 20th century. It was at this time that a chemist/inventory hit upon the idea of applying an electrical discharge to a tube of neon gas that had been sealed. It was from this gas that the neon signs would take their name. The first neon signs to operate in the United States were displayed by a car company. The signs went up in 1923 for a total cost of $24,000. Within no time at all, numerous businesses recognized the advantages of displaying neon signs as a way of advertising their businesses. While the signs proved to be a great way to draw business even after dark, the mere fact that they were so different proved to be a great marketing device in and of itself. The signs were so interesting they actually earned the nickname 'liquid fire.' Today, neon signs are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors. The most standard lengths for neon sign tubes are four, five and eight feet lengths. Neon glass tubes may be either soft or hard, depending on the compositions within the glass. Soft glass neon tubes are usually produced at around 1600 degrees Farenheit, while hard neon glass tubes require temperatures of up to 2200 degrees. Red was the first color of neon gas to be discovered and used in neon signs; however, today there are more than 100 hundred colors that are used in neon signs. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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