Plasma Cannons & Tesla Towers: Chasing Lightning
Want to study the raw power of lightning? Engineer Grey Leyh has built tools to control it, and that’s just what he did.
Reviving the Plasma Cannon
Starting with an old, powerful device from Survival Research Labs, Greg rebuilt it with modern parts.
Explaining how storing and releasing energy in a microsecond burst—called pulse power—creates bolts carrying tens of thousands of amps.
Unfolding the Secrets of Lightning
Greg explores a theory called relativistic runaway breakdown, suggesting lightning could travel much farther than classic physics predicts.
To test it, he’s planning something huge: building two 120-foot Tesla towers to generate multi-million-volt lightning arcs in a controlled setting.
Hands-on Lessons Learned
In this recap, Greg shares the design, a working prototype, and the hands-on lessons learned from “safely” bending electricity.
See the cannon fire and the towers take shape. Watch the full video here.
Moreover, Greg’s projects demonstrate the potential of extreme physics in controlled environments.
Consequently, his work inspires others to explore the boundaries of science and technology.
In addition, the Maker Faire community continues to push the limits of innovation and creativity.
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