Plasma Ball

The Plasma Ball is based on a real scientific demonstration device called a plasma globe, first popularized in the late 20th century as a museum exhibit and novelty desk toy. The effect comes from high-voltage electrical currents exciting gases sealed inside a glass sphere, creating branching streams of glowing plasma that follow your fingers when you touch the surface. While modern plasma globes are decorative, they’re rooted in experiments with high-voltage electricity conducted by inventors like Nikola Tesla in the late 1800s.

Despite the dramatic appearance, consumer plasma balls are generally safe to touch because the glass insulates you from the electrical current, though they’re best kept away from sensitive electronics, medical devices like pacemakers, and prolonged contact.