There’s this light bulb in California that’s been burning for… well, basically forever. It’s called the Centennial Light, and it’s been glowing almost non-stop since 1901. That’s not a typo—1901. More than a hundred and twenty years ago, someone screwed it in and it just never really stopped.
The bulb hangs from the ceiling in a fire station in Livermore, California. It’s this little thing, kind of dusty and unimpressive looking, but it’s become a local legend. It even has its own webcam that people check in on to see if it’s still shining. Honestly, the webcam has broken more times than the bulb itself, which is kind of hilarious if you think about it.
Back in the day, it was donated by a man named Adolphe Chaillet (I hope I’m spelling that right), who was some kind of genius inventor. The bulb was made really differently from how bulbs are made today. It has a carbon filament instead of tungsten, which apparently is more durable in some weird way. Also, it only gives off like 4 watts of light now—it used to be more, but it’s dimmed with age, kind of like people do.
What’s crazy is, scientists and engineers have studied it to figure out why it’s lasted so long, and there’s no clear answer. Some think it’s because it’s never turned off, since the on-off cycle is what usually wears out bulbs. Others say it’s just really well made, with thick filaments and quality glass that doesn’t let the air ruin the inside. Maybe it’s just a miracle.
There was even a little party when it hit one million hours of running time. A bunch of locals and nerdy light bulb fans came out to celebrate it. They had cake, and I think there was even a little bulb-shaped piñata. People really love this thing. It’s kind of sweet.
In a world where everything feels disposable, there’s something weirdly comforting about this tiny old bulb just doing its job, day after day, year after year. Maybe it’s not just about the light it gives off, but the fact that it’s still shining at all.
That little bulb might be the most stubborn piece of technology ever made. And honestly, I hope it keeps glowing forever.