diff --git a/examples/galactic_unicorn/lava_lamp.cpp b/examples/galactic_unicorn/lava_lamp.cpp
index f4b5dc75..7499b921 100644
--- a/examples/galactic_unicorn/lava_lamp.cpp
+++ b/examples/galactic_unicorn/lava_lamp.cpp
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ int main() {
   stdio_init_all();
 
   galactic_unicorn.init();
+  galactic_unicorn.set_brightness(0.5);
 
   // randomise blob start positions, directions, and size
   std::array<blob_t, blob_count> blobs;