experiments

08.29.08
Gray Matter

Trap Lightning in a Block

To create beautiful electrical-charge patterns like this, you could use a giant particle accelerator. But shag carpeting will also do just fine. Watch how Lichtenberg figures are made in our amazing video
By Theodore Gray Posted 02.15.2008 at 2:06 pm 13 Comments

There are many unusual things to see around Newton Falls, Ohio—the Wal-Mart with hitching posts for Amish buggies, the Army base with helicopters and tanks proudly arranged on hills—but I was here for the most unusual thing of all: the local Dynamitron. I was here to make frozen lightning.

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Gray Matter

Meet PopSci's resident mad scientist Theodore Gray, master of concoctions and combustions
Posted 01.21.2008 at 2:00 am 2 Comments

Periodic Table: And be sure to check out Theodore Gray's one-of-a-kind periodic table at periodictable.com.

Each month, Popular Science features one of Theodore Gray's DIY (if dangerous) experiments. See the whole list here.

2006

January


Making a Perfect Match

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Dry Ice Cream

Skip the fancy ice-cream maker-all you need is a pillowcase and a fire extinguisher
By Theodore Gray Posted 08.01.2006 at 2:00 am 1 Comment

Make CO2 Ice Cream

Cost: $150
Time: 15 Minutes

Safe | | | | |
Risky


For an illustrated photo how-to, launch the gallery.

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Ice Capades

Ice is supposed to float, but with a little heavy water, you can make cubes that sink
By Theodore Gray Posted 07.01.2006 at 2:00 am 0 Comments

Make Sinking IceCost: $65Time: 2
HoursSafe | | | | |
Risky
Want a surefire bet for your next cocktail party? First, tell your guests
that aquatic life-at least in temperate
climates-depends largely on the fact
that ice floats. If it sank, lakes would freeze solid instead of forming an
insulating layer of ice on top, killing all the fish. Now bet that you can
magically make an ice cube sink. Grab one from a glass of special cubes

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