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The Uranium Man - Blacklight Parties

I have been fascinated by blacklights for a number of years. 400 nanometers is around the tail end of the visible spectrum (with 750 nm being red light and 400 nm being purple). Shorter, higher energy wavelengths between 390 nm and 10 nm
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are known as ultraviolet light or blacklight. UV light, being invisble to the human eye, creates a phenomenon known as "fluorescence". When invisible UV rays strike certain materials, they lose energy and are reflected back. If they lose enough energy, the rays drop into the visible spectrum, thus appearing very bright and vivid amid the largely invisble blacklighting.


Blacklight Reactive Glass

I owe my name to uranium or vaseline glass, a type of antique glass that uses uranium oxide as a coloring agent. It is generally a bright-yellow green in color. Under UV lighting, it glows a vivid neon green. I also have pieces of cadmium glass, which is normally a yellow or orange color, but glows reddish-orange under black lights. I have available for rent sets of uranium and cadmium glass that would make a striking addition to the right kind of dinner party, Halloween event or wedding reception.

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I have also created several necklaces using various Czech-made uranium glass beads that are also available for rent.

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Blacklight Party Favors

I have a small selection of uv party favors that work well with blacklights, including glowsticks, body paint and balloons.

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Blacklight Posters

Since the 1960s, blacklight art has been amazing people with its vivid colors and creative designs. I have over a dozen framed blacklight posters that come as free decorations with my blacklight party package, if desired.

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Blacklight Sports

These are some of the balls used for blacklight sports. Beneath are some images taken from blacklight sports being played. You can click on any of the pictures to see a larger version!

glowing balls

dodgeball volleyball volleyball

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About Uranium Glass

I know people will ask, so I'll be up front with it: uranium oxide does have a low emission of alpha radiation. Do not worry, as alpha particles are easily blocked by common materials, including thin sheets of paper, human skin and, ironically, glass. This means the majority of the radiation from uranium glass never escapes from the piece itself, and the little which does escape harmlessly bounces off your clothing and skin. It is completely safe to wear and eat from. I would not, however, recommend grinding, drilling or cutting it, as the resulting dust could be breathed in.

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