National Static Electricity Day

That's a problem for wool wearers and champions of older brothers.  We've all experienced static electricity, whether we're simply grabbing a doorknob on a cool, dry day, or experiencing the splendor of natural lightning.  Whether you've seen it walking across the carpet while wearing wool socks or from petting your kitten, static electricity sometimes adds a little extra light to your life.

History of Static Electricity Day

The root of static electricity has long been an unsolved mystery of youth.  We already know enough about how it works to make it on demand, providing the right materials, but not enough to really explain how it works.  It's just now.  Let the mystery be unraveled!

 Static electricity is formed when two insulators rub together, creating a static field of unbalanced positive and negative ions.  When the now charged insulator comes into contact with a conductive object (such as a metal), the charge is released.  And this is why you are shocked when you grab the doorknob after crossing the room in woolen socks!

Drier air will generate much better static electricity than humid air, hence why you tend to experience this more in winter than in summer.  Static Day is your chance to really embrace this and learn a little more about it for better or worse.

How to Celebrate Static Electricity Day

Celebrating Electrostatics Day is simple and fun!  You can choose only people who are bad for you and your family, or you can pass your opinion on to help people avoid difficult times.

 If you want to be the one doing the small shock, then it's time to choose your weapon.  Wear synthetic clothing, make sure your shoes are made of rubber soles, don't apply moisturizer, help create a dry environment for static electricity to form, and avoid metal contact until you're ready to attack public works.  All of these will help you build your own personal counter-report.

However, if you want to be an insulation angel, advise your friends and family that leather soles are the right choice to reduce static electricity.  Add humectants and natural fibers (except wool!) to help prevent the build-up of static electricity.  Above all, let them know that keeping your hand on a key or metal pen makes it easy to release static charge throughout the day, rather than letting it build up causing a painful shock. Happy Static Day!