Create amazing Aurora effects with lasers and a trip to the hardware store

Smooth, ethereal, otherworldly looking aurora effects are rarely seen, but can be incredibly moving. We go a little into the history of these “Lumia” effects, how they’re made and how you can create your own with a laser and a trip to the hardware store.
Materials used in video:
Glass tubing - www.mcmaster.com/8729k37
Acrylic bar - www.mcmaster.com/1227t169
DP100 epoxy - www.mcmaster.com/7467a227
Music:
Slow Motion by Bensound.com
References and further reading:
illuminatuslightshow.com/
The Wobbulator - wobbsite.com/index.html
The Laser Galaxy projector - www.laserspectacles.com/produc...
Clavilux in action - • 1930 CLAVILUX made by ...
americanart.si.edu/exhibition...
images.library.yale.edu/madid/...
Images used:
Alanis Morissette, Livet at sunset - Photo by Roland zh
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Concert of Asyl at the Boule Noire, Paris, 29 April 2009 - Photo by Adrian Tombu
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Anthony Snape Concert - Photo by Christopher Snape
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Ripples and sunlight pattern in the shallow part of Brofjorden at Holländaröd, Lysekil Municipality, Sweden - Photo by W. Carter
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Aurora Borealis observed in Norway on 2006-10-28 - Photo by Rafal Konieczny
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Aurora borealis in Abisko National Park near Torneträsk lake in Sweden - Photo by Pavel.shyshkouski
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Aurora Borealis in Estonia - Photo by Kristian Pikner
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

[@Mind.Melting]

I never knew that what I was doing shining my cell phone light through my grandma's old crystal glasses was such a rich art form.

[@BrettCooper4702]

I like the effects of using the plastic from inside cookie packets, the bumpier the better and a little heat can deform it again for more randomness.

[@renfratrenfrow9786]

I use 2 100 mw green laser 12v diodes along with a mason jar attached to a disco ball motor. It works beautifully. This video is absolutely amazing.

[@RyanHeaney42]

Awesome. Built my own projector this year and have always wanted to make some lumia. Will have to try these out!

[@66fitton]

So glad I found this! I'm sitting beside two Orlaser 104's lol. Going to check out some trash and see what happens! Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@dkumpula001]

This is a really nice introduction to laser lumia. Thank you for making it!

[@thainmlh]

THAT was really cool

[@InfiniteEditsHD]

awesome video. Thanks a bunch

[@ljhenzel2578]

5 stars from hakzaw.. the audio is great and also its...'Smooth, ethereal, AND otherworldly'

[@Xlaser]

Thanks!

[@DreamSequenceVisuals]

Great lesson thanks!

[@kevinm5026]

Surprised y'all didn't mention clear patterned glass sometimes used in making stained glass panels. Comes in about 15 different patterns, very cheap.

[@f.spopers2410]

Geez, this was so calming to watch, You really know how to keep an audiences attention. I had only been searching for some ways to try and recreate this effect for the theme of Northern lights and decorations for a party And your interesting commentary just really helped keep my attention. Subbed.

[@Xlaser]

Glad you enjoyed it! If you're on social media feel free to tag us with pictures of what you make

[@skepticfucker280]

The glass tray in a mocrowave?

[@stewiepid4385]

I call this effect "Splatter-Web " light effect.

[@ModelWhatYouSee]

How do you deal with heat when using high wattage lasers? Won't things like epoxy melt or catch fire if you left it there for more than a few moments?

[@Xlaser]

Great question! There's a couple of "what ifs" involved here, but things like limiting power level and keeping the beam moving help (i.e. not using a static "hot beam" and instead some kind of pattern)

[@mattsincell1286]

How do you create the laser animation that plays through the projector?

[@Xlaser]

Thanks for your question! There's a couple of different options, including using software such as Pangolin's Quickshow, or using the patterns that our Mercury lasers come with. Some folks also make their own patterns outside of the ones that different software come with.

[@StikyIckie]

Ha! I love how they're selling a device that does this for $600, yet they're showing you how to make it for $10...

[@Xlaser]

Yup! The big difference being that the Wobbulator has different effects wheels and automatic rotation, but there's no reason whatsoever someone couldn't get started with lumia on the cheap and get great effects!

[@StikyIckie]

...yea, but still... $600?! Get real. I'll go grab me a little 12v motor and glue to it whatever transparent medium I can find. Attach the motor to a dmx encoder and *TADA!* you have yourself a $25 "wobbulator." You're welcome kids.

[@Xlaser]

@@StikyIckie No question about it, we encourage this. The value in buying the Wobbulator is in the expertise of Mike Gould and the years he's spent developing different media that just snaps on in seconds here, but if you have the skillset to build your own there's no reason why you shouldn't. You can build a DMX tester for $10 in parts too, but lots of people don't because they don't have the time or skillset like you do. We think people should try to build their own stuff where possible, that's why we make videos like this.

[@StikyIckie]

@@Xlaser well thank you.