There may be many instances when you run to your terrace to look out as the crackling sound and flashes of light spread across the night sky, and there, you see a giant flower blooming in a shower of golden or multi-coloured sparks, that makes your pulse vibrate with excitement. Yes, I am talking about fireworks — the glitters that spread across the sky. No doubt, they make us smile, and often for no reason.

Fireworks have a long history, dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China. It all began with a surprising discovery. When people throw bamboo stalks into fires, as a result the air pockets inside expanded rapidly and burst, and created loud explosions. This accidental bang led Chinese alchemists by the 7th century CE to develop early gunpowder by mixing sulphur, charcoal and potassium nitrate. Stuffing this gunpowder into bamboo shoots became the first man-made fireworks. Over time, the knowledge of fireworks spread to the Middle East and eventually Europe, where advancements in colour effects were introduced.

What’s the secret recipe?

As I said earlier, fireworks use a special mix of chemicals that react when ignited. Just like a sparkler, fireworks have a fuse that burns quickly and then there is a boom. This explosion ignites the chemicals inside, creating those beautiful bursts of colour we all love to see! Besides the gunpowder, (not the one used for military purposes), there are metal salts used in creating different colours when lit up! For instance, sodium makes a deep yellow, calcium creates a fiery red and strontium lights up the sky with a bright crimson.

Different fireworks for different dazzling effects!

Fireworks come in all shapes and sizes. Some fireworks are called aerial shells as they go high up in the sky like rockets and then explode into bright stars that shower down like glittering rain. Others are called fountains; they shoot out sparkling streams of light. There are also those that spin and twirl in the sky, creating glowing circles and patterns.

Fireworks are super fun and now very common in celebrations. However, they can be dangerous if not handled carefully. That’s why it’s best to watch firework shows from a safe distance. And don’t disturb elders while they are lighting them up

And one of my favourites, and I know most of you would love to grab dozens of them, is the simple sparkler. Sparklers give the feeling of magic wands, leaving a trail of glittering light wherever you wave them.

The art and science of a dazzling display!

Pyrotechnicians (pyro means fire in Greek) are the people behind making these amazing fireworks. When they design the fireworks, they also ensure they explode correctly to create amazing shapes and patterns. I would call them artists lighting up the sky, creating a stunning light picture on a huge dark canvas. And this is not a piece of cake, these people ensure by carefully planning the order and timing of each firework to create a breath-taking performance.

Safety first!

Fireworks are super fun and now very common in celebrations. However, it’s very important to remember they can be dangerous if not handled carefully. That’s why it’s best to watch firework shows from a safe distance safe places. And kids, please stay away from those places, I know it’s hard for you to distance yourself but for your safety, you must not disturb elders while they are lighting them up.

Making fireworks eco-friendly!

Unfortunately, this beautiful creation has some drawbacks to it. The chemicals used in fireworks are unsafe not only to humans, but also to the environment, as they release gases containing harmful substances. These fumes/gases can make breathing difficult, especially for the old and those having weak respiratory systems.

Apart from that, fireworks debris if not disposed of carefully can pollute rivers and lakes. This pollution harms the delicate ecosystems endangering fish and other aquatic creatures. But like every cloud has a silver lining, so do the fireworks, scientists are now developing new, eco-friendly fireworks that utilise less harmful chemicals.

The future of fireworks

With time and evolving technology, fireworks can dance to the music, like a synchronised light show set on the tunes. Or fireworks that burst into the shape of an animal or even spell out words in glittering letters across the night sky! Yes, this is all being done and will soon be a common sight. Special computer programmes can now control the timing and sequence of fireworks with incredible precision, allowing for even more intricate and awe-inspiring displays.

So enjoy simple moments of shared excitement. And when you see fireworks paint the night sky, remember the science and wonder behind each dazzling burst!

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 6th, 2024