Lichtenberg figures are branching structures formed by an electrical discharge on or inside of an insulator. The structures take their name from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, the physicist who discovered and studied them.

Although you can make your own Lichtenberg figure using polyethylene sheets and talcum powder, there is an easier method you may wish to try.

Lichtenberg Figure Materials

Sharp metal object (e.g., awl)

Insulator (e.g., sheet of acrylic)

Photocopier toner

Make a Lichtenberg Figure