The Facts About Neon

Neon is a chemical element whose symbol is Ne with an atomic number of 10. It's found throughout the universe, in fact by mass, it's the 5th most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and carbon; it's also a colorless inert noble gas under normal conditions.

However, when it is used in discharge tubes, neon lamps and advertising signs, it gives off a distinctive reddish-orange glow when voltage is applied and electrical current flows through it. It's also lighter than the air in our atmosphere and thus, a balloon filled with neon gas would rise under normal atmospheric conditions.

Neon gas was first discovered in 1898, just 9 years after Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb. Eleven years later, in 1909, the first neon sign was built in Newark New Jersey, and in 1921 the first commercial neon advertising sign was built and displayed in San Francisco, California.

Since then the bright glow of neon lighting has been embraced by advertisers around the world as their first choice for building bright, eye-catching advertising signs selling everything from suntan lotion to convertible sports cars.

Americans in particular have a fascination with neon signs. Older Americans can still remember the first time they saw a neon sign, when they were still a novelty. Times Square in New York City was an American icon for the neon industry with brilliant displays of neon signage so bright they made night look like day.

Today neon signs are even found in homes around America. Although neon signs are not cheap, they are affordable enough for most Americans to have several in their home. From beer signs to sports and novelty signs...neon cannot be matched for it's beautiful bright glow and the multitude of colors available.

Today neon lighting is found everywhere business exists, from Mom and Pop stores to the most exclusive night clubs and hotels throughout the world. If you want to see neon signage at it's best visit New York, Las Vegas, Hong Kong or Tokyo where neon is displayed at nearly every corner.

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