Skip to main content

Happy Fourth of Geology! I Mean, July!

It’s America’s 238th birthday! I can tell because there are fireworks vendors populating every possible parking lot, and things benignly exploding with beautiful trailing sparks overhead.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


It's America's 238th birthday! I can tell because there are fireworks vendors populating every possible parking lot, and things benignly exploding with beautiful trailing sparks overhead. For American fireworks aficionados who are also geology buffs, this is the best time o' year. But no matter where you are in the world, you can enjoy learning about the geology of fireworks, and I'm sure there will be some brilliant lights burning in the sky soon!