We just created another batch of these during our latest (December 1, 2006) production run. We started with beautifully polished clear acrylic contact juggling balls. As we irradiated them with the electron beam we also rotated them to form a spherically shaped region of charge inside. When discharged, the results were 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. Rotating the sphere 90 degrees brings out long curved branching discharges that follow the curvature of the sphere. It only seemed appropriate to call these beautiful sculptures "Ball Lightning" Spheres.

The sphere can be supported by a napkin ring (not provided) or by one of our special dimpled lucite blocks. It can then be brilliantly illuminated from below by one of our multicolor or white LED bases. And, the sphere optically magnifies portions of the discharges, further enhancing their beauty and detail!

Although the physics and technology involved in creating these figures are complex, the results are simple: they're incredible!  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 Lichtenberg Magnabrites® (light gathering magnifiers with internal Lichtenberg Figures) and our larger 3" Ball Lightning spheres.

Note: Because of lens focusing effects, spherical specimens should NOT be left unattended in direct sunlight or illuminated by nearby halogen lights since the sphere will focus incoming light, possibly causing damage to 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 Lightenberg 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