Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sorry - we almost forgot...

March 31st is Bunsen Burner Day
By Will Collette

At Progressive Charlestown, we pride ourselves on bringing our readers the truly important news in a fresh and timely fashion.

So imagine my embarrassment when I realized that today is Bunsen Burner Day and we had done nothing to inform our readers about the event and offer advice on how to celebrate. You should blame Tom Ferrio because he's the one who manages the Progressive Charlestown Important Events listing.

Well, belatedly, here are some basics. First, Bunsen Burner Day is always on March 31, so mark your calendars for next year.





Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen
(1811-1899)

Bunsen Burner Day celebrates the birthday of its creator. German chemist Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen was born on March 31, 1811. And, you guessed it, von Bunsen created the Bunsen Burner.

If you are a high school student, you know all about the bunsen burner. If you work in a chemistry laboratory, chances are you use the burner in your job. If its been a while since high school chemistry class, the memory of the bunsen burner may have faded somewhat.

In case your memory has faded, the Bunsen Burner is a long, hollow tube. Gas and air are combined to create a hot flame. The burner is used in a wide range of scientific and laboratory projects.

Make sure that if you use a Bunsen Burner within Charlestown town limits that you either use it indoors, or if you use it outdoors, that you use it with BunShields to prevent light from escaping.