Aerogel, a material created on a bet between two scientists in the late 1920s, may be the most unique substance on Earth. It's the lightest solid in existence -- Guinness World Records even said so -- but it can support 500 to 4,000 times its own weight [source: NASA JPL, Guiness; Steiner, Zero-Gravity]. A cubic inch of aerogel could be spread out to cover an entire football field. It's breathable and fireproof, and it absorbs both oil and water.
Aerogel is also amazingly strong, considering its weight. Aerogel insulation can be a great electrical conductor, yet when made from different materials, it can also be an effective thermal insulator [source: Steiner, Zero-Gravity].
In this article, we'll explore what makes aerogels unique, from their discovery in California in the late 1920s, to their trip to collect space dust in 1999. We'll also see what the future holds for aerogels and whether they can be made more cost-effective for the general public. Finally, we'll show you how to make your own aerogel -- surprisingly, it can be done!