This ancient black powder lead to thousands of variations of fireworks

To make a basic firework or firecracker, you just put this powder in a container, usually made of thick cardboard or paper.

For many people around the world, the very first moments of the new year will be filled with the sounds and colorful light shows of fireworks. From loud bangs to long whistles, bright reds to pale blues, there are thousands of variations of fireworks and an entire branch of chemistry that explores these fun explosions.