Fireworks

Point at the applet and [LEFT-MOUSE-CLICK] for a quick burst of sparks. Hold the [LEFT-MOUSE-BUTTON] down for a burst that continues whilst holding - drag the mouse and the fireworks will follow. [RIGHT-MOUSE-CLICK] to keep the show going without holding the button down - [RIGHT-MOUSE-CLICK] again to cancel. Whilst in the [RIGHT-MOUSE-CLICK] mode, [LEFT-MOUSE-BUTTON] and drag repositions the show. Note: you can drag the firework launch point off the applet panel in any direction. Freeze the action with [MIDDLE-MOUSE-CLICK] - unfreeze the same way.

Keyboard controls (use whilst in continuous show mode to see the effects):

• 'C'/'c' - narrows/broadens (respectively) the launch cone of the firework. Pushing 'C' to its maximum produces a Roman Candle. Pushing 'c' to its minimum yields a sparkler (sparks flying in all directions with equal probability);
• 'L'/'l' - increases/decreases (respectively) the spark launch velocity. Warning: there is no maximum imposed! Very large velocities produce a laser show.
• 'P'/'p' - increases/decreases (respectively) the number of particles launched per second. Warning: there is no maximum imposed! However, an applet parameter restricts the total number of particles being animated (the default maximum is 15000). If more than that number become visible, the oldest ones are discarded.
• 'S'/'s' - increases/decreases (respectively) the scale of the display. Pushing 's' to its minimum enables sky writing by dragging with the [LEFT-MOUSE-BUTTON]. Try doing this with the 'c'one control pushed to minimum and increase the 'L'aunch velocity increased to around 30,000 ...

[Note: all keyboard control values are updated on the Java Console.]

With acknowledgements to Jeff's Geoapplet ... have fun!