Gázlámpák

Gázlámpák, also known as gas lamps, are artificial light sources that use the combustion of a flammable gas to produce light. These lamps were widely used for street lighting and domestic illumination before the advent of electric lighting. The most common type of gas lamp utilizes town gas, a manufactured fuel produced from coal or other hydrocarbons. When this gas is ignited, it burns with a relatively cool flame. To increase the light output and produce a brighter, whiter light, the flame is often directed onto a mantle, a permeable mesh made of refractory materials like thorium and cerium oxides. The intense heat of the flame causes the mantle to glow brightly through incandescence. Early gas lamps were simple in design, often featuring a single burner and a glass enclosure to protect the flame from wind. Over time, more sophisticated designs emerged, including those with multiple burners for greater illumination and decorative elements. The widespread adoption of gas lighting significantly extended the usable hours of daylight, transforming urban life and enabling activities to continue after dark. However, gas lamps also presented challenges, including the risk of fire, the production of carbon monoxide, and the need for a continuous supply of gas. Despite their decline in popularity with the rise of electricity, some historic gas lamps are still maintained in certain cities for their aesthetic and historical value.