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Original air date:
10.31.07
Who says you have to wait for a thunderstorm to see lightning? Heck, why not make it yourself? That may have been the thinking of renowned physicist Nikola Tesla* when created what is now known as the Tesla Coil, an instrument that transmits electric power through the air, producing visually astounding lightning-like displays. Today we no longer have Tesla, but we do have particle-physicist-turned-electric-superhero Dr. Megavolt, who brings such displays into our studio.
Dr. Megavolt is the alter ego of Austin Richards, a physicist and digital imaging specialist based in Santa Barbara, California. In his spare time, Richards puts on his "Dr. Megavolt" hat and takes to playing with electricity—and lots of it. He might look a little odd—he dons a metallic suit and wears a birdcage on his head, after all—but he does his job well: in addition to making our in-studio lights flicker, he used his Tesla Coils to light up a neon tube, force electricity jump through glass, and make a line of pennies glow purple. He's done other cool stuff too, like shoot 15-foot bolts of lightning at himself just for fun. Ouch.
Dr. Megavolt visited our studio to show Chris Hardwick how it's all done—and scared the living daylights out of Hardwick in the process. Check out the excitement here at WIRED Science, where we know that there's nothing more fun—or crazy—than science.
Correction, Nov. 2, 2007: The article originally spelled Nikola Tesla's name incorrectly.
68 Posts
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10.31.07 6:45 PM PDT
steve and reid
We just watched the Wired Science show! And Reid (age 4) was thrilled! Does Dr. MegaVolt ever come to Washington, D.C.?
10.31.07 7:22 PM PDT
Charles McCoy
I was aware of the Tesla coil after studying physics in college in 1935. The show was most fascinating and would be informative for people who no previous knowledge. I encourage more students to take college courses in math, physics and chemistry. The whole Wired Science program is very interesting.
11.1.07 2:38 PM PDT
Diane Hayes
I tuned in, almost too late, and saw Dr. Megavolt last night and then quickly called my grandson--but alas the segment was over. Will there be a repeat? If so when- I would love to be able to tell my grandchildren to watch in advance of the replay.
11.4.07 4:41 AM PST
Jerome Potts
Ms Haynes (who posted above), the main PBS site pbs.org can help you locate the web site of your local PBS TV station, where hopefully you will find their TV schedule web page for you to find out if and when there will be a replay. But did you notice that you can play the video on your computer, at the top of this page?
11.29.07 6:23 AM PST
Austin Richards
Hi Steve and Reid: I have not done a show in the DC area, but check my website at www.drmegavolt.com for updates on shows. Thanks for the interest!
Austin Richards
7.8.09 2:54 PM PDT
CATAHИCT
Эээ, а объясните, плиз, а то я чего то не совсем въехал, это как?
7.21.09 9:54 AM PDT
XSatiram
С большинством Ваших сообщений я не согласен, но этот пост пришелся по душе :)
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