During the opening of Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesheld this Friday (26), the Olympic torch remained lit throughout the ceremonywhich happened in the rain.
Lighted since April 16, when it was started in Greece — as per Olympic tradition — the torch operated for 68 days, even passing under the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Understand why the flame of the Olympic torch does not go out.
In an interview with CNNGuilherme Favaro, physicist at the Physics Institute of USP (University of São Paulo), explains that “the fire of the Olympic torch is lit through an optical method that uses concave mirrors to concentrate the rays of light from the Sun at a single point, igniting the flame.”
The tradition coming from Greece — host of the first Olympics — is respected even in the method of keeping the symbol lit, as the torch is designed to maintain a “pure” fire that comes from the Sun itself.
“During transport of the torch, the flame stays lit with the help of layers of protection inside against wind and rain. Together, a mixture of propane and butane gases feeds the fire throughout the journey,” explained Favaro.
Not even water can put out this flame, as the gases used inside the torch need little energy to sustain the burning fire — which made it possible for the symbol to travel submerged in the Mediterranean Sea.
“When the torch is not being passed, the flame remains lit in lamps capable of maintaining it for hours. Before the gases run out, a new lamp takes over the flame”, concluded the physicist.
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