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. 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."

Gallery

Image:start1.jpg|Skyrocket just after liftoff
Image:start2.jpg|Launching skyrocket
Image:flug1.jpg|Flying skyrocket
Image:knall1.jpg|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.

Category:Fireworks