How does the Olympic flame stay alight?

Do you know how the olympic torch stays alight through the relay? 


The CBBC news round keep asking this burning question. The flame started its mammoth tour round Britain on Friday the 18th of May 2012 and ends in London for the exciting opening ceremony on 27 July. BUT the question is how will it stay alight for all those trips around the country, braving whitewater rapids, whizzing on zip wires and even being taken up windy mountains?

How's the flame kept alight on planes?

Two seats to itself, and a bodyguard- luxury.

It will be kept in a lantern, which has been allowed to go on a plane. It'll have two seats to itself, accompanied by a police officer who has been trained in firefighting. 

What happens to the flame at night?

Security guards from a special protection team will watch the torch whilst it's placed in a lantern. (Too keep it safe). 

What's the fuel used to keep it burning?

It's gas - a mixture of two-thirds propane and one-third butane.

What do you think?..

How is the flame passed from torch to torch?

What happens if it gets blown out by the wind?

What if it rains or there's a thunderstorm?

What happens if a torch is dropped?

Or even, what if the flame goes out, despite all this?