Exploring the Origins of Neon Signs

Neon signs have been lighting up cities around the world for over a century. Originally invented as a form of advertising, these bright signs have become iconic symbols of city life.

**Where Neon Signs Began**

Neon gas was first discovered in 1898 by British chemists. Georges Claude, a French engineer, applied neon in lighting and changed advertising forever. He achieved the first neon lamp in 1910, setting the stage for neon signs. In 1923, neon signs made their debut in America, catching attention immediately.

**Neon Signs in Urban Culture**

Urban areas like New York and Las Vegas were soon filled with neon lights. Businesses loved the way neon signs caught people’s attention. They weren’t just ads—they became cultural symbols seen in movies and art.

**The Science Behind Neon’s Glow**

Traditional neon signs work by passing electric current through gas-filled glass tubes. Each gas produces a unique glow. Examples include:
- **Neon Gas**: Produces a bright red or orange color.
- **Argon Gas**: Mixed with mercury to emit blue light.

**LED vs. Traditional Neon**

In recent years, LED neon has become popular. With LED strips, they replicate neon’s glow. These signs are more efficient and versatile than traditional neon, offering:
- **Energy Efficiency**: They are much more energy-efficient.
- **Durability**: They’re more durable than glass neon tubes.
- **Versatility**: LEDs allow for more flexibility in design.

**Efforts to Preserve Neon Signs**

Despite modernization, traditional  neon signs  remain culturally significant. There are efforts to keep neon signs as cultural artifacts. The preserved signs symbolize a time when neon reigned supreme.