skyrocket

A skyrocket is a type of firework that uses a solid rocket motor to rise quickly into the sky. At the apex of its ascent, it is usual for a variety of effects (stars, bangs, crackles, etc.) to be emitted. Sky rockets use various stabilisation techniques to ensure the flight follows a predictable course, often a long stick attached to the side of the motor, but also including spin-stabilisation or fins.

Professional displays

A common misconception about professional fireworks displays is that skyrockets are used to propel the pyrotechnic effects into the air. In reality, skyrockets are more widely used as a consumer item. Professional fireworks displays utilize mortars to fire aerial shells into the air, not rockets. However, a rising effect known as a "tail" may be attached to the outside of the shell to leave a trail of sparks during ascent, to give the look of a rocket rising into the sky. Mortars are used instead of skyrockets for safety reasons. Once the shell leaves the mortar it is no longer under propulsion, and therefore can not redirect itself towards a crowd, for example.

Sale and regulation

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom firework rockets are sold by weight, e.g.: 4 oz, 8 oz, 1 lb. This is not the weight of the rocket itself, but rather of a lead sphere whose diameter matches that of the rocket motor, officially defined as "The weight of a lead sphere that is just supported by a tube that the rocket motor will just fit into."^{[citation needed]}

Gallery

Skyrocket just after liftoff

Launching skyrocket

Flying skyrocket

Skyrocket at explosion

External links

• http://www.cyber-heritage.co.uk/gallery3/ - examples of skyrockets, with data such as thrust, size, total mass, propellant (often black powder) and its mass, and burn time
• Picture of a street lamp hit by a skyrocket
• A pyrowiki on pyrotechics - more information on sky rockets.

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