While there are many other things to celebrate on July 4, Sidewalk Egg Frying Day is also on our agenda, and we explain the science behind this odd-sounding holiday. The purpose of the holiday is to raise awareness of the benefits of solar energy, to the extent that you can fry an egg with it, but be cautious not to get fried by the summer sun. Yes, the name of this holiday is derived from the ubiquitous expression “it’s so hot that I could fry an egg on the sidewalk.” Every Fourth of July in Oatman, Arizona, a Solar Egg Frying Contest is conducted, in which contestants compete to fry an egg using solar energy in less than 15 minutes, using any materials/objects (including mirrors and magnifying glasses) they choose (including mirrors and magnifying glasses).
The background of Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
Apparently, for the past century or so, individuals have attempted to fry eggs on pavements. On July 4, while pyrotechnics illuminate the sky in the United States, eggs are also strewn about the streets, as this bizarre holiday continues to be celebrated nationwide.
In an issue of the “Atlanta Constitution” published in 1899, Dr. Francis Henry Wade remarks in a column titled “How to Keep Cool” that the “bricks of the sidewalks [are] hot enough to fry eggs” In October 1933, the “Los Angeles Times” reported record-breaking temperatures in one of L.A.’s neighbourhoods, where people were actively contemplating the possibility of sun-cooking eggs, given the proper equipment. This article helped popularise the concept.
Fred Eck founded the annual Solar Egg Frying Contest in Oatman, Arizona, in 1983. Contestants use improvised contraptions to fry an egg in under 15 minutes. Some overachievers even prepare bacon and french fries! Other locations have attempted cooking eggs in the sun with varying degrees of success. In 2013, an anonymous YouTube video from Death Valley National Park showed individuals attempting to fry eggs directly on the rocks in 120-degree heat. Australia experienced temperatures of 111 degrees Fahrenheit in 2015, which prompted YouTubers to attempt to fry eggs on the pavements.
Obviously, the science behind this is incorrect, as concrete and bricks are not heat conductors, but the phrase has stayed, and Sidewalk Egg Frying Day is now an integral part of American pastime culture.
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SIDEWALK EGG FRYING DAY ACTIVITIES
Participate in the revelry Science, schmence!
Why not join in on the fun and crack an egg on the ground to see what transpires for yourself? To teach children about conductors, it can also be a useful experiment for children. Just be sure to apply sunscreen and wear a hat beforehand.
Maintain your calm instead
We understand if going out into the summer sun to fry an egg is not your idea of enjoyment. Why not scramble some eggs in your trusty stovetop skillet and test out a new egg recipe? You can enjoy your culinary creations in the comfort of your home, or you can consume your eggs poolside.
Explore photovoltaic energy
The sun is not our enemy, despite the fact that its rays are harmful to our epidermis. Utilise this opportunity to learn more about the benefits of solar energy and how it can be utilised to make life on Earth more sustainable.
5 SOLAR-POWER FACTS WE BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW
The Super Solar Impulse 2 is the first solar-powered aircraft to circumnavigate the globe.
Solar panels in space generate electricity around the clock due to the constant flow of sunlight.
Solar energy is the source of the majority of renewable energy sources, making it the source of other sustainable forms.
It is predicted that by 2050, solar energy will be the largest source of electricity in the globe.
Although the initial installment investment may be costly, you will save a substantial amount of money in the long run.
SIDEWALK EGG FRYING DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | July 4 | Tuesday |
2024 | July 4 | Thursday |
2025 | July 4 | Friday |
2026 | July 4 | Saturday |
2027 | July 4 | Sunday |