Neon Signs

light · electricity · gases

Gas-filled tubes glow. Neon signs use special tubes filled with rarefied (very thin) gases like neon or other gases. When electricity passes through the tube, the gas glows and creates that famous bright light.

Many colors possible. While neon gas glows red-orange, signs can be other colors too. Different gases and special coatings inside the tubes create blues, greens, purples, and whites.

Invented in 1910. A French inventor named Georges Claude first showed the modern neon sign to the world in December 1910 at the Paris Motor Show. People were amazed by this new kind of glowing light.

Popular for shops. Neon signs became the most common way to use neon lighting, especially for store signs and street advertisements. The bright glow made signs visible even at night.