Big Bangs and Squibs: A Physicist Turns Pyrotechnician for the Day

Last week, I got to watch a great fireworks show from pretty close up--because I was part of the team that made it happen! By the end of the day, I had broken all of my nails, was covered in dirt from origins unknown, and had ash in my ears. It was awesome. In addition to my normal job, I work part time as a pyrotechnician for Zambelli Fireworks, one of the world's largest fireworks companies. They have been shooting pyro since 1893, and put on over 1600 shows a year. As you would expect, the 4t...