Not your father’s fireworks

Skyrocket spectacles have come a long way since 1776. Modern shows are automated and future displays might not even require fire.

Skyrocket spectacles have come a long way since 1776. Modern displays are automated.

An estimated 99 percent of the fireworks you’ll see this Independence Day were made in China, which banned fireworks this year in 400 cities including its capital, Beijing. The ban took place during Chinese New Year due to concerns about pollution. Can you imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks? The Chinese New Year did not go without an amazing light show. A colorful performance by 300 synchronized drones lit up the sky. At the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, a Guinness World Record was set by Intel with a light show of 1,218 drones. Intel is at the forefront of drone show development and is hoping to set a record this summer with 1,500 drones. The Walt Disney Co. is making a move for a little drone magic of its own. In 2014, Market Watch noted that the company filed for several patents to use drones within its theme parks. The image below is from one of the patents.

Seeing stars

The Intel Shooting Star drone is about 8 inches in width and weighs 10 ounces (less than a can of tomato soup). They are equipped with LED lights and are said to be able to create more than 4 billion color combinations. The Shooting Star can be controlled by a single computer and can travel 21.7 mph. The drone also includes propeller cages and programming to ensure safety and security.

COLLECTION OF THE SUPREME COURT PHOTOS FROM INTEL CORP. Intel drones perform over the Coachella festival in April. Fireworks or not? Not. These photos show drone light shows from Intel Corp. at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

WALT DISNEY CO. Don’t expect drones to replicate the rockets’ red glare at your local fireworks display soon. Drones range in price, depending on size and technology, from $100 to $35,000 or more.