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Rocket Science

Episode 6 of 13

Hannah Fry and Dara 脫 Briain celebrate fireworks in a sparkling episode exploring the science, history and occasionally surprising applications of these joyful explosions!

Fireworks have been lighting up our autumn skies for centuries - but what鈥檚 actually going on inside those dazzling bursts of colour, sound and stars?

Hannah and Dara set out to discover the science behind the sparkle. From the chemistry that creates vivid reds, greens and blues, to the physics that launches shells high above our heads before exploding into perfectly planned patterns, they learn that every firework is a carefully choreographed feat of engineering.

Along the way, they explore why some fireworks whistle while others crackle, trace the remarkable history of fireworks from ancient China to modern-day spectacles, and ponder whether drones and laser shows could one day replace the traditional fiery festivities.

If you have a curious question for our team, get in touch via curiouscases@bbc.co.uk.

Contributors:
Jackie Akhavan - Professor of Explosive Chemistry at Cranfield University
John Withington - histroian broadcaster and author of 鈥楢 History of Fireworks from Their Origins to the Present Day鈥�
Darryl Fleming - Director of Titanium Fireworks

Producer: Lucy Taylor
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem
A 91福利社 Studios Production

Release date:

28 minutes

On radio

Saturday 10:00

Broadcasts

  • Saturday 10:00
  • Next Monday 15:30

Why do you see faces in unexpected places?

We are 鈥渉ardwired鈥� for recognising faces and it starts at birth.

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