Neon signs are more than just colorful decorations; they are iconic symbols of businesses and landmarks worldwide. But beyond their vibrant glow lies a fascinating history and a myriad of intriguing facts. Join us as we delve into the world of neon signs and uncover 13 of the most amazing fun facts about them.
- It all started back in 1923. Since then, these signs have been lighting up businesses in America. They started with the Packard Car Company. They come in over 150 different colors, making them perfect for eye-catching displays. Even though they used to be expensive, nowadays, they're more affordable and widely used in advertising.
- Did you know that neon lights can shine through fog? That makes them super handy in cold climates and at busy airports. Many neon signs are carefully handmade to avoid breakage and can be customized into any shape or word you want.
- Neon signs are tough cookies! They can last over ten years, even in the strong sunlight of places like Florida. In fact, the oldest surviving neon sign, still shining since 1929, is at the Lake Worth Playhouse in Florida.
- Neon itself was discovered in 1898 by scientists William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers, who didn't know they were paving the way for its use in advertising. One of the most popular neon signs you'll see is the "Open" sign, found in bars, clubs, and restaurants all over the world.
- Real neon lights only shine in a reddish-orange color. When you fill a clear tube with pure neon gas, it gives off that warm glow we all love. But if you want different colors like blue or green, there are tricks to achieve them, like using different gases or special coatings on the tubes.
- Neon isn't just for signs! It's used in TV sets, lasers, and even some refrigerators as a super cold liquid.
- While neon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe, it's pretty scarce on Earth, making up just a tiny fraction of our atmosphere.
- The first neon light was shown off in 1910 by Georges Claude. He stumbled upon neon gas as a byproduct of his work in making air super cold.
- The word "neon" comes from Greek, meaning "new." And speaking of new, the first neon sign was sold in 1912 to a barber in Paris, kicking off a trend that soon lit up cities everywhere.
- Neon signs can be worth a lot of money! In 2017, one sold for almost $50,000 at an auction.
- Neon lights aren't just for signs – they've been used to decorate places like the Paris Opera House since 1919, adding beautiful red and blue colors.
- These lights can last a really long time – the average neon sign burns for about 30,000 hours, but some have lasted even longer, like one that was found still glowing after 77 years!
- Even though a lot of the parts are made in factories, putting together a neon sign is still a handcrafted art. Artists use blowtorches to bend and shape the glass tubes, creating those iconic designs we all love. So next time you see a neon sign, appreciate all the work that went into making it!