Some glow in the dark party ideas for summer

It is still summer and the time to organise some unforgettable parties. And why not glow party by the pool? With a well chosen theme, a pool and a few glow sticks, you may have all the ingredients for something really cool.

Here are some pictures to illustrate some of the possibilities:

-With glow sticks 

 

 -With DIY glow in the dark balloons

-Or again with glow bracelets

Mobile, inexpensive and most importantly safe to use by the pool, glow in the dark accessories are perfect to use at some outdoor parties by the water. Add to this some well thought games ideas and you may have just managed to set up the chemistry for a great time with friends and family for the younger ones as well as for the wisest.

Who invented glow sticks?

Born in Brooklyn in 1930, Dr. Edwin Chandross was the first to take interest in chemiluminescence by making observations of an experiment where luminol at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The fact that light can be produced without generating heat and requiring oxygen unlike pyrotechnique fascinated him. 

At the end of his academic studies in 1959, Dr. Chandross held a position at Bell Labs where he went on with his experimentations which led him to the discovery of the interaction of hydrogen peroxyde and oxalic acid, the mix that now makes many young party goers very happy. In fact, the discovery of that glow in the dark capability was made in a day.

Dr. Chandross only lately, realised the implications of his discovery and the massive use of the chemicals he discovered in glow sticks, glow bracelets and other glow in the dark party accessories.  

The many forms of glow in the dark party accessories

Glow in dark accesssories in all shapes and colours:

-From where it all started: the glow sticks

(Source: Glowrama)

-The popular glow bracelets 

(Source: Lights4Fun)

-The fun and funky glow glasses and glow ear bunnies

(Source: TableFireworks)

(Source: GlowUniverse)

How to use glow sticks?

The utilisation of glow sticks is generally very safe. As a lighting device without a flame nor smoke, it is actually often used in case of an emergency and save some lives, and can be used in water.

That being said, its method of functioning relies on a chemical reaction and for that reason some precautions need to be taken.

Though the chemicals used are not life threatening for human, it is not recommendable to swallow and can cause some intoxication reaction from sensitive people. But no serious cases of intoxication was ever recorded. Contact with the skin and the eyes may cause a burning sensation and rinsing with water will solve the situation. It that sensation remains, one may consult with a physician or an eye specialist.

The secret chemistry behind Glow sticks: Luminol

There is one magical little fellow behind the power of omnipresent glow sticks and other glow bracelets at neon parties.

This little fellow is called Luminol.

It is fact this very versatile chemical that produces the light. That very same fellow we see in CSI or in any situation we need to detect presence of blood at a crime scene.

How do glow sticks work?

Glow sticks are plastic made sealed tubes that contains two chemicals that interacts with each other emitting light. This chemical reaction - called chemiluminescence - is triggered by twisting the tubes with breaks a glass capsules releasing one of the chemicals.

Glow sticks are used for lighting as well as signage. Convenient, non toxic nor inflammable, their utilisation is particularly suitable to confined environments. The most common application are emergency lighting and party lighting at glow parties also called neon nights.