5 Ways to Appreciate Fireworks

To the uninformed spectator, one fireworks display may look like any other. But this is definitely not the case. Some fireworks are of better quality than others, and some operators are more qualified to fire them.

Here are some secrets from the experts:

Don't get too close. To observe the full effect of the aerial shells, it is best to be several hundred feet from the display site -- 500 feet or more provides the best view.

Watch the quality of the colors. Blue is an especially difficult color for the pyrotechnician to make, so a deep beautiful blue is a true work of art. A dazzling white effect is also an amazing sight.

Know the difference between an Oriental shell and an American shell. When the Oriental shell bursts, it produces a spectacular, spreading chrysanthemum shape that takes up the whole sky. The random pattern of color produced by an American shell is easily distinguished from this symmetrical pattern. American shells can also be recognized by the longer duration of their colors.

Observe the choreography of music with fireworks. Modern electronics now permit the precise firing of fireworks and provide the pyrotechnician with the ability to choreograph bursting fireworks with a musical score. Such displays are becoming more popular each year.

Watch for pictures in the sky. New technology enables firework makers to fill the night sky with hearts, stars, and a variety of geometric patterns. Be on the lookout for more intricate patterns overhead.