Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes

What Guy Fawkes can teach us about the sky at night

With bonfire night on the horizon, scientists reveal just why fireworks are differently coloured and what this can teach us about stars in space.

Guy Fawkes, also known as Bonfire Night, is an annual celebration in the United Kingdom that commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This historical event has become synonymous with fireworks, bonfires, and the iconic Guy Fawkes mask. But did you know that the science behind fireworks can teach us about the stars in space?

Fireworks are known for their vibrant and mesmerizing colors, which are created by different chemical compounds. For example, strontium produces a deep red color, while copper creates a stunning blue hue. These colors are the result of electrons in the chemical compounds being excited by heat and emitting light of specific wavelengths.

Similarly, stars in space emit light of different colors based on their temperature. Hotter stars, like blue giants, emit blue light, while cooler stars, like red dwarfs, emit red light. By studying the colors of fireworks, scientists can gain insights into the temperature and composition of stars in the universe.

So, as you enjoy the dazzling display of fireworks on Guy Fawkes night, take a moment to appreciate the connection between these colorful explosions and the stars above. It's a reminder that science can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the sky at night.

References:

• https://gb.shotoe.com/guy-fawkes-st_58248/