Who Knew Daytime Fireworks Could Be Just As Mesmerising?

Using special microchip-controlled explosives, Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang created a daytime fireworks show using timed detonations on the ground and clusters of coloured smoke clouds exploding in the air — with results that easily rival nighttime fireworks displays. Video!

Like most elaborate pyrotechnic setups, this demonstration at the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, Qatar was controlled by computers. But since it occurred in the day, you have a better appreciation for the intricate timing behind the display as the explosions on the ground appear to race in circles, and the clouds of smoke create giant rainbow shapes in the sky.

Anything with explosions gets the thumbs up from me, but I think the traditional Fourth of July fireworks displays now have a little competition. [YouTube via The Hairpin]