- calendar_month March 6, 2025
The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is known for its amazing views, fun exhibits, and focus on space and science. One of its most exciting displays is the Tesla Coil—a device that shoots out bolts of electricity, creating a mini lightning show for visitors.
What is a Tesla Coil?
Nikola Tesla, a brilliant inventor, created the Tesla Coil in the late 1800s. He wanted to use it to send electricity through the air without wires. While that idea never became common, the Tesla Coil remains famous for producing high-voltage electricity that looks like lightning.
The Tesla Coil at Griffith Observatory
The Tesla Coil at Griffith Observatory has been wowing visitors since 1937. It sits inside a glass case and is turned on during special demonstrations. When it’s running, it sends out bright, crackling sparks of electricity that light up the room.
Over the years, the coil has been repaired and improved to keep it working. It still operates using Tesla’s original idea—creating high-voltage electricity that jumps through the air in a spectacular display.
How Does It Work?
The Tesla Coil has two coils of wire, a capacitor (which stores energy), and a spark gap. Here’s how it works:
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Power Up: Electricity from a power source fills the capacitor.
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Release the Energy: When full, the capacitor quickly releases energy, creating a spark.
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Electric Boost: The spark travels through the first coil, making an electric current that jumps to the second coil.
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Lightning Effect: The energy in the second coil becomes super powerful, creating electric sparks that leap into the air.
Why You Should See It
Visitors can watch the Tesla Coil in action during live shows at Griffith Observatory. When it turns on, it makes a loud buzzing noise, and bright lightning-like sparks shoot out. It’s one of the most exciting exhibits in the observatory.
Beyond the cool show, the Tesla Coil is a reminder of Nikola Tesla’s genius and the wonders of electricity. Whether you love science or just want to see something amazing, this display is worth checking out.
So, next time you visit Griffith Observatory, don’t miss the Tesla Coil demonstration. It’s a fun and electrifying way to experience science up close!
The end :-)
