Luke's Timekeeper Journal

Luke's TIMEKEEPER JOURNAL Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia in 1856. He was an electrical engineer and inventor who had a memory so good, it's said he could design his inventions in his mind! Tesla facts Tesla was born during a lightning storm, which is a coincidence, since he went on to work with lightning and electricity. Scientists measure the strength of magnetic fields in a unit called a "Tesla." Tesla really did love pigeons and talked about having a connection to a special pigeon.

Tesla vs. Edison Tesla had a fierce rivalry with the scientist Thomas Edison, and even worked for his company. The two had a feud in the 1880s that became known as the "War of Currents," over whose electrical system would power the world.

Tesla's INVENTIONS Tesla is most famous for his work with alternating current (AC) electricity, which is how electricity is transmitted today. He had many other ideas, however, including a radio-controlled boat and even an earthquake machine! The induction motor Tesla's induction motor was a self- starting machine that didn't need regular repairs like previous motors, and used his own invention, alternating current. Many machines such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners use these motors today.

The Tesla coil The Tesla coil is a machine that makes lightning bolts. Using it, he was able to make X-rays, neon lights, and movable energy without wires. Renewable energy Tesla dreamed of a future where clean, inexhaustible energy was free for everyone. He thought that humans could tap into Earth's natural electrical energy to build a device that provides energy to the world. Tesla once said, "We shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance"—which sounds just like modern smartphones!

The STATUE OF LIBERTY The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886, to celebrate America's 100th birthday. It was designed by the sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi, and the frame was built by the creator of the Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel. Symbol of freedom The Statue of Liberty is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Many historians say that it was modeled on Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. Welcome to the us The statue was intended to be a welcoming symbol for ships and immigrants entering New York's harbor, because it is the first thing they see when they arrive.

The statue's torch was removed in 1984 to keep it safe after it got damaged. It is now on display in the Statue of Liberty Museum. A replica torch now sits atop the statue. Lady Liberty's crown has seven spikes, which are said to represent the world's seas and continents. Visitors can climb up to the crown and see the view from its 25 windows.