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Museum of Discovery brings the world's largest Tesla Coil to Little Rock

The world’s largest Tesla Coil is making a stop in Little Rock this weekend and the Museum of Discovery staff is charged up for this free event.

The world’s largest Tesla Coil is making a stop in Little Rock this weekend and the Museum of Discovery staff is charged up for this free event.

A Tesla Coil is basically a machine that produces man-made lightning bolts.

The event is titled “Shock the Rock" and it will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20, with attendees grabbing a snack or refreshment from food trucks or other vendors at the Clinton Center Library parking lot.

Participants will have the chance to learn more about science and lightning at 6:30 p.m. as Museum of Discovery educators present, electricity-related demonstrations and interactive activities with guest through 8:30 p.m.

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The grand finale featuring a 40-foot Tesla Coil sparks at 8:45 p.m.

During the show, the equipment will produce lightning bolts with two to three million volts stretching out 60 feet.

The event is safe for all ages as lightning rods will be in place to direct the lightning away from guests.

However, it will be loud and ear protection is highly recommended, the Museum of Discovery staff will have some protective headphones to hand out to early guests.

Organizers said it is also a good idea to bring lawn chairs and blankets like you would for a fireworks show.

The lightning show will last for about 45 minutes and, unlike the coil in the museum, there will be no musical pattern.

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“Shock the Rock!” is the first of two major Tesla-focused events the Museum of Discovery will present in five days. Science After Dark, the museum’s monthly adults-only event, will be a Tesla-themed birthday party and will feature some of his well and lesser-known inventions. Science After Dark will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the museum.

For more information about “Shock the Rock!” or Science After Dark, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org or call 501-396-7050.

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