If it wasn't for the recent spate of evil clown sightings the Clown Association of America would be feeling a little less on edge now that Tanzania has recently reported discovering vast deposits of helium. Up until recently dire warnings about the scarcity of helium reserves were pushing the price of this commodity up in step with the angst felt by those who depend on its supply. This houseword gas became notorious after the Heidenburg zep blew up way back in 1936. Germany didn't have helium and the U.S. didn't want to sell the Nazis a key strategic resource so they had to make do with all-too-flammable hydrogen. Scorched to metal bracing in a matter of seconds, it was the first and most dramatic tragedy to be caught live on camera. That was the end of the zeppelin age. And all that helium? Yeah, it ended up being put to use puffing up latex poodles at birthday parties for the next few decades.

The helium atom is so small that it seeps through the tightest rubber webbing which explains why those Get Well Soon balloons sag down after a couple of days. But the wily helium atoms are no match for glass and a couple inches' worth of acrylic. Far into the future the little pocket of helium in this ampule may still lay trapped within this 50mm cube.

When ionized, helium shows a pale gray glow discharge.