Have you ever seen a hot air balloon soaring high above the ground? It is, for most people, a truly beautiful sight to see. Hot air balloons typically have bold, beautiful, and brightly colored fabric which reflects the sun’s light in a burst of color. Perhaps you have gone up in a hot air balloon? This can also be something enjoyable since it allows you to have a bird’s eye view of the world around you while gently floating along. Either way, hot air balloons are truly enjoyable and exciting.
History of Hot Air Balloons
Hot air balloons have a history that can be dated back more than 200 years ago. At this time, way back in the 1783, a French scientist Jean-Francois Pilâtre de Rozier launched the very first hot air balloon. It was carrying only a duck, a sheep, and a cockerel. Later that same year, he became the first human to take a ride. The balloon was created from paper lined cloth.
In 1784, the first balloon flight in the UK took place. James Tytler, a Scottish aviator, flew over Edinburgh. As the years passed by, more and more people were taking balloon flights. The first in America took place by Jean-Pierre Blanchard in 1793. He flew from Philadelphia to Gloucester County, New Jersey.
In 1870, hot air balloons were first used in wars. Their primary purpose was observation, though the French Minister also used it as an escape route.
Since then, and even today, balloons are still used and enjoyed by many people. In Albuquerque, New Mexico you will find the largest balloon festival anywhere. The festival is a 9-day event that frequently has more than 500 balloons show up.
How They Work
Hot air balloons, are a scientific marvel. It is pretty common knowledge that hot air rises and cool air sinks. Balloons use this concept to get airborne. This is done through using a burner that is positioned under an open “balloon envelope”. The burner is lit, air is heated, and it rises up into the balloon ensuring that the heat in the balloon is always hotter than the outside air. In short, when the balloon is hot inside, it soars into the sky. As it cools, the balloon will sink. A pilot can choose to let it cool and eventually land or he can reheat it so that it continues to float.
Today, we use mostly propane burners to keep the hot air balloon afloat. It is easier and more compressed, which makes it easier for the pilot to ignite.
Would You Ride in a Hot Air Balloon?
Even though hot air balloons are not ideal for travel, there are still many people who enjoy going up in them. You can often buy a flight for $200-$300 per person. Flights generally last a few minutes, but it allows you to create a memory that will last for many years to come.