Kerosene is a flammable hydrocarbon liquid commonly used as a fuel in aviation, as well as in heaters and lamps. It’s a middle weight distillate between gasoline and diesel in the refining process, coming from crude oil. Its qualities include a high flash point (making it relatively safe to handle), and it burns cleanly compared to other fossil fuels, producing a manageable amount of carbon dioxide.

Kerosene is also known as paraffin in some countries. It’s favored in the aviation industry due to its high energy density and ease of handling. It’s the primary fuel for jet engines and is known specifically as Jet A or Jet A-1 in this application; different specifications ensure the fuel’s performance at various temperatures and altitudes.

Moreover, kerosene is used in domestic and commercial settings for heating, cooking, and lighting in areas that do not have access to electricity or natural gas. It can be found in some portable stoves, lamps, and heating systems.

For those interested in learning more about kerosene, its uses, properties, and role in the global energy market, here are two references that would provide reliable information:

1. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
This website provides comprehensive data, analyses, and articles covering all aspects of energy commodities, including kerosene.
URL: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/kerosene.php

2. Britannica
The Encyclopaedia Britannica offers a wide range of informational entries, including historical and scientific insights into kerosene, its composition, and usage.
URL: https://www.britannica.com/science/kerosene

Please ensure that you access these links directly since URLs can change or the content might be moved or updated after the knowledge cutoff date or the time of writing this response.