The large copper coils surrounding the sphere are likely acting as induction coils, similar in principle to a simplified Tesla coil system. When alternating current flows through these coils at very high frequencies, they generate rapidly changing electromagnetic fields around the central glass sphere. Inside the orb is a low-pressure gas mixture, often containing gases like neon, argon, or xenon. Under normal conditions these gases are electrically neutral. But when exposed to a strong oscillating electric field, electrons gain enough energy to ionize nearby atoms. That process creates plasma — often called the fourth state of matter. Plasma forms when electrons separate from atoms, producing a glowing soup of charged particles that can conduct electricity. The glowing filaments appear because electrons are colliding with gas atoms inside the sphere. As those excited atoms return to lower energy states, they release photons — visible light. Different gases emit different colors dep...