Here Are All the Types of Fireworks You Saw Last Night

A photo posted by @ticketybantaboo1 on Jul 5, 2016 at 1:12am PDT

Every year I expect to be too old for them, but still can't help but be in awe Fourth of July fireworks. The art and science that goes into the ever-expanding arms race of fireworks displays is incredible. This year the Macy's pyrotechnic show was the biggest since the millenium celebration in 2000, igniting 56,000 shells over the East River. The pure ingenuity with which people keep inventing new ways to inject light and sound into the sky is tremendous, so to contextualize the gram-worthy photos of explosions you're sifting through this morning, here's a primer on some of the basic types of fireworks.

Still a pyro #pyro #pyrotechnics #pyromaniac #pyromania #fireworks #rainbowrain #momsgonewild #timelapse #independanceday #fourthofjuly #pyroparty #partyofone

A video posted by Laurie Ann Gutierrez (@lollytrom) on Jul 4, 2016 at 11:29pm PDT

Don't do this with a Roman Candle:

When your toddler looks bad ass… #gingerlove #zoeygrace #romancandles #daddiesgirl #woah #totinreallife #fourththigs #fireworks

A photo posted by Jessica Weigand-Powers (@mrs_cupcake_jess) on Jul 5, 2016 at 7:40am PDT

Who doesn't love a #slomotion video of #sparklers  #4thofjuly

A video posted by @kateplace on Jul 5, 2016 at 7:39am PDT

God Bless America! 

A video posted by Faisal Abohudiba (@faisalabohudiba) on Jul 5, 2016 at 5:29am PDT

Happy 4th of July to our neighbours in the USA! We enjoyed the Blaine fireworks last night. #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly #happy4th #whiterockbeach #fireworks #independenceday #blainewashington

A photo posted by monika nolte hamilton (@lensandcanvas) on Jul 5, 2016 at 7:02am PDT

#bottlerocket #fireworks #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly #rocket #takeoff #sparks

A video posted by Anthony Smith (@top_tone) on Jul 5, 2016 at 6:41am PDT

The Esk show is on this weekend and nothing beats an awesome cracker show to finish the entertainment off for the evening! I'm looking forward to hopefully getting across and capturing some of the magic tomorrow evening! #EskShow #SkylighterFireworx #Skylighter #Crosette #JMattPhotography

A photo posted by Justin Matthews (@jmattphotographyandlighting) on May 20, 2016 at 4:38am PDT

A photo posted by D e n i s s e E N a j e r a (@visuallymodest) on Jul 5, 2016 at 7:40am PDT

One of my favorites from Rutlands fireworks #fireworks #photography #fourthofjuly #fireworkphotography

A photo posted by sav (@savannahraychal) on Jul 5, 2016 at 6:26am PDT

A video posted by Brian Estrello (@magicntheskyhouston) on Jul 5, 2016 at 7:04am PDT

A video posted by Cez (@cezzypooo) on Jul 4, 2016 at 10:50pm PDT

People watch fireworks in the form of a 'smiley face' during the 4th of July Independence Day celebrations at the National Mall in Washington, U.S., July 4, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria @carlosabarria #fireworks #july4th #independenceday #reutersphotos #picoftheday #washingtondc #nationalmall

A photo posted by Reuters (@reuters) on Jul 4, 2016 at 7:38pm PDT

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular 2016 #nyc #nycstreets #fireworks #4thofjuly #macys #grucci #pyrotechnics #eastriver #independenceday #nycskies #nycsky #nofilter

A photo posted by effie floud (@effiegram) on Jul 4, 2016 at 11:21pm PDT

Which fireworks are your favorite? Tag us in your selection on Instagram with @Creators_Project.

Related:

Celebrate the Little Things with a Fireworks Deathstar Explosion

Manipulated Fireworks Photos Are Explosive Rorschach Tests

How to Make a Bazooka for Fireworks