Captured Lightning Sphere

Price: £49.99

These unique and very rare captured lightning sculptures are Lichtenberg Figures captured in cut and polished acrylic. They are made using a unique process which 'traps' the pattern of branching lightning within the sphere, capturing it for all time.

To creat one of these figures, the acrylic sphere is bombarded with a stream of high velocity electrons using a particle accelerator (yes, really!). A huge amount of charge builds up within the acrylic, which is subsequently discharged by striking it with an earthed pin. The charge flows to the discharge point, forming the branching lightning bolt. The high levels of current heat the acrylic, causing molecular changes which preserve the pattern.

The figures are further enhanced by upwards-illumination, which is achieved using an LED lit base. The base is made of piano-finish rosewood, and is quite stunning in itself.

In the box

• 1 Captured Lightning Sculpture sphere - 5cm diameter
• 1 display stand with light
• 1 mains adapter

What are Lichtenberg Figures?

Lichtenberg figures are branching, tree or fern-like patterns that form as the result of high voltage discharges on the surface of, or within, electrical insulating materials (dielectrics).