Steel Wool Sparklers - Hard Science

Create your own ring of fire with spinning steel wool sparklers! Join Anthony and Tara as they fire dance their way into the New Year.

Experiment Tips:
-Wear cotton clothes with hoods to protect your skin and hair
-Use a whisk to contain the larger pieces of steel wool from flying out
-Only try this in wet or concrete environments -- i.e. beaches, gravel, cement or snow

Start a Fire in the Rain
You can use steel wool to start a fire even if it's wet. Simply hold one part of the steel wool to the positive end of a battery and another part to the negative end.

Environmentally Friendly
These fireworks are very environmentally friendly. The only significant byproduct is rust, which is a common natural mineral all over the world.

How to Take a Long Exposure Shot
Take a long exposure shot of your steel wool firework. Amazing end result!

Join Anthony Carboni and Tara Long as they turn the world around them into a giant science experiment. New episodes every Wednesday!

Hard Science Crew:
Executive Producer: Barry Pousman
Producer: Nicolette Bethea
Shooter: Michael Baca
Second Shooter: Matt Piniol
Production Assistant: Kendall Long
Editor: Conor Gordon

[ThyUnholyBacon]

this looks like something id like to see done in a dry hay field. 

[PaulSlowey]

Was so full of respect for the simple explanation of basic scientific principles by both presenters - then I cracked up thinking 'that's what she said!' just before it appeared on screen. I think I've found my spirit show!!!

[lastwolflord]

pretty cool. I already knew about the steel wool it's a actual survivor tip for starting fire's. But this actually looks fun. I wouldn't do it just any where. but in a parking lot sure.

[mclapsadl]

This was a perfect thing to do to celebrate the new year.  Wish it hadn't been so cold in the north east, but the snow looked awesome covered in sparks.  

Ringing in 2014 with some flaming steel wool

[Wrattata]

I told myself that I would get off of YouTube and go outside like 20 videos ago but I can't because I love watching these awesome science video you guys make!

[namanagarwal]

That was really awesome! !
U guys are really doing a great job by converting boring science into so much fun. ..

[SausanMartinez]

So great I'm seeing it here. It was not showing on my Podcast. Love all your testing. You guys are the best!

[LeandroArango]

Oh yes Tara, open it a bit for oxygen to flow through and then shove it right in. That's my favorite scientist right there!

[planchart]

that type of fireworks is basically fire poi. people have been doing it for years and it's pretty fun to do!

[BetaMind]

"Don't say it" *puts it in as a caption XD.

[VandrefalkTV]

This is amazing :D Happy New Years Anthony and Tara!

[JohannKwan]

As you guys showed... this is a really awesome way to get some amazing photos.

[kaylijade]

It looks so wicked, awesome, and beautiful.So going to try it:)

[somedude]

This is one of your better ideas. I approve.

[AlejandroLuisGarcia]

I knew about burning steel wool but the idea of lighting it with a battery is genius. Carboni = MacGyver.

[dannyinaus]

this has "accident waiting to happen" written all over it

[TheLionsInLuv]

"It smells like your inevitable death.., Keep going" - I laughed so hard xD

[jacksondavis]

I think you could also get those stills by setting a slower shutter speed and if using a film camera exposing the film longer by letting the shutter be open for a longer time

[Samanthayeoqy]

Awesome! I can't wait to try this out during Chinese New Year!

[tommybtwo]

That's so awesome. Amazing idea. Very cool effect.