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A fascination with fireworks Whether at the opening of a country fair or the Olympic Games, the nocturnal art of fireworks is synonymous with celebration. Eruptions of light commemorate Independence Day in the United States and Bastille Day in France and illuminate the skies over nearly every major city in the world each New Year’s Eve. A Chinese tradition Most historians agree that the Chinese invented fireworks about the 10th century, when chemists discovered that combining saltpeter (potassium nitrate) with sulfur and charcoal produces an explosive compound. Western explorers, such as Marco Polo, or possibly Arab traders were responsible for bringing this volatile substance to Europe, and by the 14th century, spectacular displays of fireworks were delighting European audiences. Chemicals add color Fireworks have changed little technologically over the centuries. However, there have been some improvements. The Chinese originally produced only white or gold-colored displays. At the beginning of the 19th century, Italian technicians added potassium chlorate to gunpowder; the mixture burned with enough heat to turn metals into gas, tinting the resulting flame. Different chemicals cause different colors. Today, computer technicians routinely time displays to explode to the rhythm of a musical performance. Where to watch fireworks July 3
July 4
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Millineum fireworks display at
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