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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National Park Week: Olympic National Park, Washington
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Yosemite National Park turns 132
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The moth wonderful time of the year
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Take the stairs
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Happy Hobbit Day
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Sundance Film Festival
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Happy New Year!
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Wandering Watkins Glen
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Computer Science EDU Week
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Wyoming celebrates its statehood
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Into the woods
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Jerte Valley in bloom
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Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
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A universe underground