Nuclear debate and Happy Halloween!

I am a huge fan of autumn and all the celebrations that come along with it so I thought I would weave this into a blog post. Last one of the weak I promise! 

Grinning pumpkins illuminated by candles can be spotted from many windows this evening and we are fast approaching bonfire night. So I thought this would be a good chance to think about fire: the original energy source! 

Fire Factoids:

• There is evidence in the fossil record for wildfires dating back 470 million years ago
• Most recent evidence from the Wonderweck Cave in South Africa suggests that hominids first controlled fire 1.0 million years ago (Berna et al, National Academy of Sciences, 2011) 
• Wood has been used as a fuel since prehistoric times 
• Currently around 80% of the world’s energy comes from burning of fossil fuels in power stations (International Energy Agency 2013 Report)
• Earth is the only known planet where fire can exist; no other has enough oxygen in the atmosphere for the reaction to occur.
• The higher the oxygen level, the bluer the flame. That is why fire is blue at the base as it gets the ‘fresher’ air but then yellow above as it is ‘suffocated’.
• Spontaneous combustion is an actual thing. It occurs when a material with a low ignition (burning) temperature releases heat due to bacterial fermentation, moisture air etc. Pistachios can spontaneously combust which is why they have to be transported with care!
• A candle usually burns at about 1000C. Mind those pumpkins! 

In this post I also wanted to share this video from TED Talks. TED is a hugely inspirational organisation which aims to promote ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’. You can find discussions on everything from “The Thrilling Potential of Sixth Sense Technology” to “How to Tie your Shoes”. Next week I will be talking about nuclear power and this is a great introduction to the debate.

Happy Halloween everyone!