$24.99 when purchased online
Target Online store #3991
About this item
Highlights
- A cool plasma light ball from Smithsonian
- The light follows touch, and responds to music & sound
- Fun way to learn about technology & science
- Requires 6 "AA" (1.5V) batteries (not included)
- Great gift for kids 14+
Description
With the Smithsonian Plasma Ball, you can enjoy an incredible atomic light show right at your fingertips. Just turn it on and watch what happens when atoms collide with each other and energized electrons. Watch your fingertips create amazing light effects as you observe how colliding atoms release energy in the form of light waves. Recommended for ages 14+, the plasma ball also responds to sound and music and comes packaged with STEM educational content. Requires 6 AA (1.5V) batteries (not included).
Contains: Does Not Contain Any of the 9 Major Allergens
Suggested Age: 14 Years and Up
Educational Focus: Science
Includes: Poster, Instruction Guide
Battery: 6 AA Alkaline, Required, Not Included
TCIN: 52213641
UPC: 042409517819
Item Number (DPCI): 086-00-3376
Origin: Imported
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 11.8898 inches length x 6.1417 inches width x 6.1417 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.3 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Q: How big is the ball? Is it 8"?
submitted by djj - 7 years ago
A: The globe is 5". When it sits on the base, it is 8 1/2" high.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 5 years agoBrand expertA: I believe it is a 5" ball.
submitted byLeeman71 - 7 years ago
Q: Does this produc contain magnets? If so, how big are they?
submitted by Jaime Rainha - 5 months ago
A: This product does not contain any magnets.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 5 months agoBrand expert
Q: como se activa el audio? como funciona? ya tengo estte producto pero no sabemos como usar el audio, no trae cable ni nada, cuando activamos el boton en audio no hace nada
submitted by pregunta - 3 years ago
A: If you slide the switch on the bottom of your Plasma Ball to "Normal", it will respond to touch. If you slide it to "Audio", it will respond to sound. Is either mode working? If not, it could be that you need 6 fresh "AA" batteries. If your batteries are fresh and your Plasma Ball is still not working, please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to make things right.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: is this item #51802 ?
submitted by lily - 3 years ago
A: This is #51781 Smithsonian 5" Plasma Ball
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: What does it weigh? I need to mail it.
submitted by jackie - 3 years ago
A: In the box, it weighs 1 lb, 4 oz.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: I see this is recommended for ages 14+. Think my 4 and 6 year old boys would love this BUT am I an idiot asking for trouble if I get it? They are poster children for "this is why we can't have nice things." Ok I think I answered my own question.
submitted by LaurenRules - 3 years ago
A: We recommend the plasma ball for ages 14+ because the ball is made of glass.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: what is the output voltage and ampage
submitted by logan - 3 years ago
A: It is powered by 6 AA batteries (not included).
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: why is the age range 14+? my 6 year old boy is interested in this for Christmas. just curious why it has such a high age recommendation?
submitted by taylor - 4 years ago
A: Hi, Taylor. The ball is made of glass and, if not handled properly, could be dropped and broken. That's why we don't recommend it for young children and recommend it for ages 14+.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: Is this okay for someone with seizures?
submitted by Jan - 4 years ago
A: Hi, Jan. We wish we could help, but we don't know the answer to your question. We encourage you to consult with a medical professional. If you need more information on the safety standards to which we adhere, please contact us at help@WubbleBall.com. Thanks!
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: is this product made in china
submitted by Dawn Notino - 5 years ago
A: This product is designed in America and manufactured for NSI in China.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 5 years agoBrand expert
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3.7 out of 5 stars with 366 reviews
broad age appeal: 3.86 out of 5
ease of use: 3.58 out of 5
length of play: 2.84 out of 5
quality: 2.85 out of 5
value: 2.7 out of 5
36% would recommend
98 recommendations
Science
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Red - 2 months ago, Verified purchaser
Like. This is a great investment for your children’s science interests. My children really enjoy looking and learning about the magnetic energy field.
Won't Turn On
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Vojin Jaksic - 2 months ago, Verified purchaser
We could never get the plasma ball to turn on. We changed batteries numerous times. I am disappointed, but not more than my 7-year old daughter.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 2 months ago
We're so sorry this is happening, but we really want to make things right. First, please check to make sure your plasma ball is in NORMAL mode and not SOUND mode. If this doesn't fix your issue, please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them what you've tried, step-by-step. They can troubleshoot the issue and make sure you receive a replacement, if necessary. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Vojin Jaksic.
disappointed
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
CarlyMA - 3 months ago, Verified purchaser
when i put my finger tip on it there are still bolts of pink going out all around. takes the fun away.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 3 months ago
We're sorry you are disappointed with your Plasma Ball, but we really want you to be happy with this purchase. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them about your issue. They can troubleshoot and make sure you get a replacement, if necessary. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under CarlyMA.
Faulty manufacturing
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
TT - 4 months ago
The Smithsonian plasma ball worked a few times and then stopped. We tried to add new batteries, and the items still didn't work. This is faulty manufacturing. Very dissatisfied customer
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them exactly what is happening, step-by-step. They can troubleshoot the issue and get you and running again. If they can't, they will make sure you receive a replacement. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under TT.
Great for price
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
AliLarue - 4 months ago, Verified purchaser
Easy to begin using. Not super sensitive to touch
Piece of trash
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Ticked off mom - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
We were never able to use it bc it never worked even with brand new batteries. Juuuuunkkkkkk
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 2 months ago
We're so sorry this is happening, but we really want to make things right. First, please check to make sure your plasma ball is in NORMAL mode and not SOUND mode. If this doesn't fix your issue, please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them what you've tried, step-by-step. They can troubleshoot the issue and make sure you receive a replacement, if necessary.
Smoking from battery section
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Faulty item - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
Started to smoke after turning it on. It worked for about a minute! Returning it to the store!
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
We are so sorry this happened to you. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Faulty item. In addition to making sure you receive a replacement, they will want to send you a postage-paid label, so you can return the item for examination.
Dangerous!
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
MACMom - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
As soon as we put all the batteries in it started to smoke. We quickly rushed it outside! The burnt plastic smell lingered in the house for ages after. Worst Christmas gift!
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
Oh no! We are so sorry this happened to you, but rest assured that we want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and tell them what happened. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Faulty item. In addition to making sure you receive a replacement, they will want to send you a postage-paid label, so you can send back the item for examination.
Terrible toy
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Jamlop - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
Terrible toy, not bright enough and the screws were rusted over.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
We are truly sorry you had a disappointing experience with your Smithsonian Plasma Ball. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, tell them about your issues, and let them know you published this review under Jamlop.
Does not work
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Nk - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
It doesn’t even work, I tried the exact 1.5 v batteries and still doesn’t work
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
More often than not, this issue doesn't mean that your plasma ball is broken. It usually means it's on the wrong setting. Please check to make sure your plasma ball is on NORMAL mode and not SOUND mode. If it still doesn't work, please email customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them about the issues you're having. They can make sure you get a replacement. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Nk.
Shattered after 1 day
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
KrisW20 - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
I bought for my son for Christmas. He put batteries in it and enjoyed it for a few hours. He went to touch it while it was sitting on the table and it shattered. Luckily he wasn't hurt but he is very upset that its broken.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We are so sorry this happened, and we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them what happened. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under KrisW20.
Faulty Item
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Toriann - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
My 8 year old was so excited to get this for Christmas but end up being disappointed as he was gifted a faulty one and it started to smoke with a burnt smell.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're so sorry your child had a disappointing experience with the plasma ball. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and tell them exactly what happened. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Toriann. They will do everything they can to make things right.
It's a No from me Dawg
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Kristin - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
Terrible. Buy Discovery instead.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're sorry you're disappointed with your plasma ball, but we will do what we can to make things right. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and give them more details as to what is going on and why you are dissatisfied with the product. They will do what they can to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Kristin.
On Button Is Finicky, Feels Cheap
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
SarahD - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
First of all, this thing takes 6 AA batteries, which was a surprise to me but shouldn't have been since it's clearly stated in the product description. So that's my bad. However, it's also not very bright and feels very cheaply made. The on/off button is wiggly and sometimes you have to fiddle with it to get the lamp to turn on. Overall, both my son and I were disappointed with this one. There's an alternate product made by Discovery that has a 6" globe instead of 5", feels like it's made with better materials, is much brighter, possibly because it uses a power cord instead of batteries, and is $5 cheaper. My son had one but it was accidently knocked off of a table and shattered on the floor. Unfortunately, Target doesn't carry that one anymore, so I took a chance on the Smithsonian one. We will probably be returning it and purchasing the other one from Amazon.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're sorry you're disappointed with your Plasma Ball. If we can help in any way, please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com. Tell them about your experience, and they will do what they can to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under SarahD.
Plasma ball
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
NikkiNicholej - 6 months ago, Verified purchaser
Discover the mesmerizing world of science at the Smithsonian, where the plasma ball captivates with its vivid colors and electric energy. It's a stunning reminder of the wonders that electricity can create. Engage your curiosity and let your imagination spark as you interact with this fascinating display! Explore how science illuminates our understanding of the universe, one electrifying moment at a time. Don't miss out on this visual spectacle that combines art and science in such an enchanting way! Visit today and experience the magic for yourself!
Bought this for a birthday party
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Jleon - 8 months ago, Verified purchaser
We bought this for a little boy's birthday party and it was well received. We went to visit a few weeks later and the toy is still well-loved and played with.
Don't waste your time
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
xoxo - 11 months ago
I can’t believe I spent money on this piece of junk. I thought I could fulfill my childhood dream of having one I put in the batteries, didn’t work, so I changed the batteries and still didn’t work. Don’t waste your time it seems like this is a pattern in their product. Super disappointing and irresponsible.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 11 months ago
We're sorry you had a disappointing experience with the Smithsonian Plasma Ball. Perhaps it was damaged in shipping. We hope you will exchange it for a unit that works, because the issue you describe isn't common. If you are unable to return or exchange this item, please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under xoxo.
Bad
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Horribl - 1 year ago
A price of trash and it became dead the second it worked do not buy
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 1 year ago
We are truly sorry you had this experience, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and tell them exactly what happened. Put "Target Review Follow Up in the subject line, and let them know you published this review umnder Horribl.
Do not waste your money or time.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
bethie598 - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
Would rate a zero if I could! Bought this for my son’s birthday. Put in batteries and NOTHING. Got a replacement, thinking we just got a bad one. No. Second one was exactly the same. Put the batteries in and NOTHING. What a waste. HORRIBLE product.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 1 year ago
We're sorry you were disappointed with your plasma ball, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@NSI-int.com, and tell them exactly what happened. Because you had the same experience with two units, they can probably troubleshoot what's going on and have you up and running in no time. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under bethie598.
Worked for Xmas day then never again
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
STOLEN CODES - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
Gave this to my tween son for Christmas. Put batteries in and it worked. Found it sitting on his desk today and asked if he thought it was still fun. He admitted it never turned on again after Christmas day and he didn't want to disappoint me by admitting it. Changed the batteries (figured that was it) three times with brand new batteries...nope. Never even flickered. What a waste!! I definitely expected more from the Smithsonian brand. I kept the instructions but threw away the box after Christmas because I thought it worked. Junk. Don't buy.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 1 year ago
We're so sorry this happened to you, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com. Tell them what happened, and put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line. They will make sure you get a replacement. Please let them know you published this review under Stolen Codes.