Orion Nebula (NASA)
is one of four states of matter. You’re probably
pretty familiar with the other three: solids,
liquids and gases. Although it is the least
familiar state of matter to us here on Earth,
plasma is actually the most common form of
matter – in fact, plasma makes up
99% of all visible matter in the Universe.
Drop each object
into a 'states of matter' bin.
don’t see lots of plasmas here
on Earth because it’s too cold
for most matter to reach that state.
rest of the Universe however, plasma
is more common
than solids, liquids or gases. Our
Sun is made of plasma, as are all stars.
heat can turn nearby gas to plasma.
Although naturally occurring plasma is rare
on Earth (e.g. a lightning strike), there are
many man-made examples. Plasma glows when it
conducts electricity in neon signs and fluorescent
bulbs. The hottest candle flame is plasma.
Scientists have constructed special chambers
to experiment with plasma in laboratories.