The First Lightbulb Wasn’t Edison’s Invention

While Thomas Edison perfected the modern lightbulb, British scientist Humphry Davy created the first electric lamp in 1802. His arc lamp was too bright and impractical for home use, but it laid the foundation for future innovations.

A Single Lightbulb Has Been Burning For Over 120 Years

The Centennial Light in California has been glowing since 1901. Installed in a fire station, this bulb has outlived multiple power supplies and still emits a faint glow, making it the longest-burning lightbulb in history.

LED Bulbs Can Last More Than 20 Years

Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LED technology is incredibly efficient. An average LED bulb can shine for up to 50,000 hours, reducing energy consumption and making frequent replacements a thing of the past.

Early Lightbulbs Were Handmade

Before mass production, every lightbulb was carefully assembled by hand. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that machines took over, making bulbs more affordable and accessible to the public.

Lightbulbs Can Be Found In Space

NASA uses specially designed bulbs aboard spacecraft to provide essential lighting. These bulbs are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, low gravity, and radiation exposure while keeping astronauts safe.

Incandescent Bulbs Waste 90% Of Their Energy

Traditional incandescent bulbs convert only 10% of their energy into light, while the rest is lost as heat. This inefficiency led to the rise of energy-saving alternatives like CFLs and LEDs.

Fluorescent Bulbs Contain Mercury

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) might save energy, but they contain small amounts of mercury. If broken, they release toxic vapours, making proper disposal essential for environmental safety.

Lightbulbs Help Plants Grow Indoors

Grow lights mimic natural sunlight, allowing plants to thrive indoors. Special LED and fluorescent bulbs provide the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis, making indoor gardening possible year-round.

The World’s Most Expensive Lightbulb Costs Thousands

Luxury brands have crafted designer lightbulbs plated with gold and encrusted with diamonds. Some high-end LED models also offer smart features, costing several thousand pounds per bulb.

A Lightbulb Once Inspired A Town’s Name

Livermore, California, is home to the world’s longest-burning bulb, and its fame has drawn so much attention that the town is often called ‘The Lightbulb City’. The community even hosts celebrations honouring its glowing landmark.