UAF is one of the world’s leading institutions for space physics, with many leading scholars in plasma physics. However, we have found that not too many people have direct experience with plasmas. The internet provides many suggestions for home-made plasmas using a microwave, but most people do not want to put their own microwaves through such potentially destructive tests. Therefore, we are sacrificing our TA office microwave for educational purposes. Several other unwise, marginally safe demonstrations will also be conducted for entertainment purposes. List of demonstrations:
CD
Light bulb
Grape
Fluorescent light bulb
Candle
Candle with beaker (we will attempt to catch the plasma)
Ivory soap
Egg (thanks to Dr. Sentman for this suggestion)
Please feel free to bring anything you’d like to warm up for snacks. We will heat them up prior to the demonstrations, so you do not inhale plastic outgas products.