Really, there’s only one way to celebrate Hot Air Balloon Day properly. But if you can’t catch a ride in a basket under a giant balloon today, know that the idea dates back at least to 3rd-century China, where paper lanterns were used as military signals. Fast forward to 18th-century France, where two paper-making brothers, the Montgolfiers, launched unmanned hot air balloons. Then, to great fanfare, they tried sending up a sheep, duck, and chicken, and finally, Étienne Montgolfier took a ride. Designs have improved since then, resulting in the standard hot air balloon seen here.
Up, up, and away for Hot Air Balloon Day
Today in History
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The Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
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Lick Observatory
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Midwinter freeze
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World Turtle Day
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Golden larches and Prusik Peak, the Enchantments, Washington
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South Stack Lighthouse, Holy Island, Wales
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All hail the king of shrubs
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Modica, Sicily, Italy
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A history of Vinland
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World Teachers Day
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‘The memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever’
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Aýna, Albacete, Spain
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Oktoberfest begins
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A long path to freedom
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Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Freeze frame
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Happy Thanksgiving from an expert face-stuffer
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Wandering Watkins Glen
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High trekking season in Upper Mustang
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World Population Day
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Celebrating all things Austen
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SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
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Welcome to the Alien Egg Hatchery
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Alaska moose
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Ancient groves in Australia
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Venice by night
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The story of a rediscovered redwood
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Goodbye, 2020!