Plasma is the fourth state of matter, different from solids, liquids, and gases. It happens when a gas gets so much energy that its particles break apart into charged particles called ions. This makes plasma able to conduct electricity and respond to magnetic fields. Unlike a regular gas, plasma glows because of the energy it gives off. You can find plasma in things like lightning, neon signs, and the sun. Even though we don't see it as often as solids, liquids, and gases, plasma is actually the most common state of matter in the universe, making up stars and most of space!