🚀 go-pugleaf

I would like information on fluorescent lighting.

Can a standard tube run on DC?  If not, why?  If impossible, is there a
cheap way to perhaps double the AC to 120 Hz to reduce the flicker?

I have noticed that fixtures with the standard heavy ballast are able
to automatically start the tubes.  There is also a cheaper type of
fixture where you must hold down a start button until the tube
"catches".  Can anyone explain the difference between these two
things?

Also is it possible to have a variable intensity (dimmer) control for
these lights?