Did you know that the universe is mainly composed of the fourth state of matter?
What is the fourth state of matter? Yep, the fourth state of matter is ionized gas sometimes called PLASMA. Although we normally observe solids, liquids, and gases here on Earth, plasmas do find their way into your home.* Have you ever rubbed your feet on the carpet and zapped your brother, sister, or friend? OUCH! The light you saw is the by-product of the discharge or plasma generated. The light generated from fluorescent light bulbs is a result of a plasma activating the fluorescent coating on the inside surface of the bulb wall.
In my ship, plasmas are created in the ion propulsion engine. By using an electric field and a magnetic field in a cross-like orientation, the generated plasma can be propelled out of the engine. By Newton's Third Law, my spaceship is pushed forward.
Did you know that the famous Nevada Shocker generates lightning in a box? Yes, I hear it makes a pretty glow. I plan to visit the lab to see it myself.
*Plasmas have a special property. They may be manipulated with external electric and magnetic fields. Further, in any small volume, the number of positive charges is nearly equal to the number of negative charges in the plasma.
