On America’s first Fourth of July in 1777, there was one color – orange. Fireworks have come a long way since then, taking on new colors and various shapes and sizes.
However, there is a lot of science behind these modern-day marvels.
What You Need To Know
- Fireworks are chemical reactions made of high energy compounds
- The type of atom used in the firework mixture gives off certain colors when heated
- Atmospheric conditions play a critical role in firework visibility
- Recent rainfall in Texas has limited county burn bans and erased much of the state's drought
How It Works
The colors that we see lighting up the night sky are caused by chemical reactions. The compounds in the firework are heated. These hot atoms give off light and that's what we see.
Different elements from the periodic table give off different colors. Lithium or strontium create a red color. Magnesium sparks a white color. Copper ignites a blue color.
The Weather's Impact
Weather can make or break a fireworks show.
It is a delicate balance when it comes to wind. Gusty conditions can be very problematic and blow debris onto spectators.
Meanwhile, light winds can also be an issue as there is nothing to help disperse the smoke.
Humidity is also very important. The lower the humidity the brighter fireworks appear. On muggy nights, fireworks can look dimmer and more muted.
Our Latest Drought Monitor
Drought is also top of mind when it comes to lighting up the night sky on the Fourth of July.
Luckily, the latest drought monitor is showing less than 10% of the state experiencing drought conditions, and only a handful of counties are currently under burn bans.
