I'm looking for something like Feynman's explanation for how a difraction grating works only for the absorbance of a colored chemical in solution. [more inside]
posted by Kid Charlemagne on Nov 4, 2009 - 2 answers

Why did my Subaru outback lose power steering on this rainy night? [more inside]
posted by special-k on Oct 13, 2009 - 15 answers

What are my options for a cheap, small Mac laptop? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe on Oct 2, 2009 - 25 answers

I have an uninsulated sunroom that gets pretty chilly in the winter, and want to make it so that it is at least room temp. and can be used for plants (without breaking the bank). Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus on Sep 30, 2009 - 10 answers

While in various locales I have seen what what appear to be advertisments or graffiti that appears to be light generated that is projected onto a wall. I would like to use this technology for a sign for my business. I am not able to find anything with my google talents. Can someone point me in the right direction to locate and price this technology?
posted by citybuddha on Sep 30, 2009 - 5 answers

What equipment do I need to take clear photographs of 2-d artwork from above? [more inside]
posted by Nonce on Sep 24, 2009 - 8 answers

Can I wire two light switches into one switch? [more inside]
posted by furtive on Sep 7, 2009 - 6 answers

What should I do with this awesome vintage cat carrier? [more inside]
posted by kathrineg on Sep 7, 2009 - 10 answers

I'm looking for a nightlight that could fit the description of the nightlight in the song Birdhouse in your Soul by They Might Be Giants. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav on Sep 5, 2009 - 13 answers

Old sun-damaged skin all over my body--is it tilting at windmills to consider light therapy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 24, 2009 - 7 answers

7 days poolside... I need books! Tell me what to buy! [more inside]
posted by cgg on Aug 21, 2009 - 37 answers

I'm about to go on a bike accessory spending spree, and I wanted input on the most impenetrable locks, the most stylish helmets, and on everything from baskets to bells to headlights. I also would welcome any input on the best way to light a bike frame using electroluminescent wire. [more inside]
posted by Juliet Banana on Aug 20, 2009 - 47 answers

Who regularly sells 10-18mm tritium spheres (pictured at bottom), and where can I buy them reliably? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Aug 14, 2009 - 14 answers

Does one 200 watt bulb put out as much or more light than ten 20 watt bulbs? [more inside]
posted by leemajors on Aug 14, 2009 - 23 answers

What is the term for the depiction in art of the sun's rays shining through or behind clouds? This phenomenon. Sometimes believed to be a form of theophany. Wikipedia has an article about it, but I can't remember the name to look it up. Thank you.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese on Jul 30, 2009 - 14 answers

Help me turn a blindingly bright LED tube into a functional and decorative floor lamp! [more inside]
posted by pemberkins on Jul 5, 2009 - 9 answers

How do I grow food and be more sustainable in a shady city apartment? [more inside]
posted by Lord_Pall on Jul 2, 2009 - 16 answers

Calling all MeFi electricians: why does my light switch make a popping noise, and will it kill me? [more inside]
posted by feathermeat on Jul 1, 2009 - 12 answers

Please help me find replacement light bulbs for my gadget. [more inside]
posted by SquidLips on Jun 13, 2009 - 7 answers

Where can I buy THIS offensive Jesus light switch? [more inside]
posted by newfers on Jun 12, 2009 - 6 answers

Why do the glass parts of my light bulbs keep separating from the metal? [more inside]
posted by emumimic on Jun 2, 2009 - 7 answers

Your suggestions for lighting the top of a 50 ft. sculpture being displayed at our state fair? [more inside]
posted by siclik on May 20, 2009 - 11 answers

A terrible, B.O.-like smell emanates from a room in our house at odd intervals. I have a half-baked theory, which we seem to have confirmed tonight. Is it at all plausible? If yes, what can we do about it? If not, what else could it be? [more inside]
posted by DavidNYC on Apr 13, 2009 - 21 answers

How can i get rid of my white panda eyes after a skiing holiday? [more inside]
posted by freddymetz on Apr 9, 2009 - 9 answers

A rocket launch? Near San Francisco? What the hell did I see tonight? [more inside]
posted by symphonik on Mar 21, 2009 - 15 answers

What are the health effects of very light cigarette smoking (1-3 per week) over the long term? [more inside]
posted by Simon Barclay on Mar 16, 2009 - 14 answers

I need a front light for my bicycle that can attach to a basket (as opposed to handlebars). [more inside]
posted by Juicylicious on Mar 10, 2009 - 5 answers

What are these things on the light and telephone poles in my neighborhood? They popped up a few months ago and are replicating! Do I need to don my tinfoil cap? [more inside]
posted by jesirose on Feb 27, 2009 - 7 answers

Three of our lights have burned out, and it's about time I replaced them. Thing is, I have no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by robcorr on Feb 21, 2009 - 4 answers

Does light (like heat) seep and weaken? [more inside]
posted by Pennyblack on Feb 18, 2009 - 5 answers

Where can I get a light therapy box for S.A.D. in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by yellowbinder on Feb 12, 2009 - 12 answers

Why are all light switches the same shape? [more inside]
posted by LSK on Jan 3, 2009 - 27 answers

What would you charge to diagnose a check engine light and replace the thermostat in a 2003 Toyota Highlander? [more inside]
posted by fogster on Dec 30, 2008 - 13 answers

I am looking for a lens for my Nikon D80 that works well in low-light conditions. Something relatively compact and not too expensive would be best. [more inside]
posted by bollockovnikov on Dec 10, 2008 - 12 answers

How do I wire up this infra-red mains light switch. [more inside]
posted by matholio on Dec 6, 2008 - 1 answer

What is this metal structure called? [more inside]
posted by Tube on Nov 27, 2008 - 5 answers

When a candle is burnt indoors, what happens to the wax? An amount of smoke equivalent to the mass of the candle is released as it's burnt (?)--does this manage to escape the house, or does most of it stay in the room and coat the walls, floors, ceiling, etc.?
posted by mstillwell on Nov 23, 2008 - 25 answers

I have a budget of $75-$100 for a bike headlight. I am seriously considering NiteRider's MiNewt-USB. Does anyone have any other recommendations, or anecdata about the MiNewt? [more inside]
posted by everichon on Nov 6, 2008 - 19 answers

What are some great examples of paintings that make dramatic use of light and shadow? [more inside]
posted by Neilopolis on Nov 2, 2008 - 25 answers

Who did this musical rendition of the Charge of the Light Brigade? [more inside]
posted by BeaverTerror on Oct 24, 2008 - 3 answers

OMGShoes: I have SauconyBullets right now. They're the best shoes I've ever had. I love them. Are there more ultra-light almost-nothing xc-inspired shoes like these? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Oct 15, 2008 - 14 answers

Would a wind-up light that doesn't rely on charging a battery, but uses a clockwork mechanism to directly power a small generator which lights up an LED, be possible? [more inside]
posted by yesno on Oct 11, 2008 - 17 answers

Why did my light fixture start turning off and on randomly? How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by rouftop on Oct 8, 2008 - 8 answers

Why does an incandescent light bulb have an broad, continuous spectra when viewed with a spectrometer? Why doesn't it have some lines like a sodium lamp? I guess I'm asking why photons come off of a black body and why are their wavelengths spread out. Bonus points for clarity and accessibility of the answers.
posted by bdc34 on Oct 7, 2008 - 5 answers

The "battery not charging" light on my dash went on; the mechanic told me I need a new alternator. Now the "battery not charging" light has turned itself off again. Does this mean my battery is, in fact, charging? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Sep 26, 2008 - 6 answers

How can I light up my apartment? [more inside]
posted by jennyesq on Sep 14, 2008 - 13 answers

I am a hobbyist photographer starting to do some serious studio work and I need help deciding on lighting equipment. [more inside]
posted by arniec on Sep 8, 2008 - 5 answers

Help finding the coolest burning bulbs for my bathroom vanity... [more inside]
posted by caveat empress on Aug 10, 2008 - 12 answers

We have a street lamp in front of our house that seems inordinately bright. We currently have cardboard in our windows to keep the light out so we can sleep at night. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 on Aug 8, 2008 - 26 answers

Looking for tips on creating a crazy black light troll costume. [more inside]
posted by baphomet on Aug 5, 2008 - 6 answers