Dictionary

fish: A firework effect that causes the individual stars to wiggle as they move rapidly away from a central point.

flash powder: A thin layer of nitrocellulose, which ignites quickly. Used to produce puffs of flame in fireworks.

Francis Scott Key: A lawyer and amateur poet who wrote the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner."

fuel: A firework requires an oxidant and something to oxidize (the fuel). Common fuels are aluminum, charcoal, magnalium and sulfur.

horsetail: Also known as a waterfall, a horsetail burst has heavy stars that free fall to the ground. The firework effect looks like a horse's tail.

Independence Day: Celebrated every July 4, Independence Day commemorates July 4, 1776, the date that the U.S. adopted the Declaration of Independence.