This article was taken from the July 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
It's possible to make a fire in which the smoke billows downwards. Ben Cusick, aka YouTube's "NightHawkInLight", talks us through the process.
- Find your space
A shot glass, a Post-it note and an L bracket will be required.
You'll also need a room with still air and a match. Roll up the Post-it note in roughly the diameter of a pencil - the sticky part will stop it unrolling. - Build the waterfall
Place the L bracket on top of your shot glass and slip the paper into the hole at the end of the "L" at a 45° angle. Position the paper outside the glass for a waterfall effect, or inside to build up smoke inside. - Light your fire
Set the top of your note alight. Like magic, smoke will billow downwards out of the bottom of your rolled-up paper. If the end is inside the shot glass, smoke will build up in there and can be poured out. - Explain the trick
Smoke is heavier than air, but normally floats upwards because it is hot. The tube gives the smoke enough time to cool down, after which it doesn't rise up, but instead falls to the floor like a waterfall.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
