7 Amazing Fun Facts About Hot Air Balloons that Will Lift Your Spirits!

1. Floating Laboratories

Did you know that hot air balloons are the original "floating laboratories"? Well, puns aside: since the 18th century, hot air balloons have played an essential role in scientific experiments, carrying everything from barometers to intrepid biologists, revealing the secrets of the sky one float at a time.
Source => bbml.org.uk

2. Barnyard Balloon Pioneers

It seems that in times past, even farm animals took to the skies in search of adventure, maybe even hoping to join the mile-high club with their barnyard brethren: On September 19, 1783, a brave sheep, entrepreneurial duck, and cocky cockerel soared 600 meters above the earth in the world's first successful manned hot air balloon flight. Miraculously, the winged and woolly pioneers survived the aerial escapade and crash landing, earning high praise from Louis XVI and living out their days as pampered "heroes of the air" in the royal Menagerie at Versailles.
Source => en.chateauversailles.fr

Did you know blimps were once crucial military tools during World War I and II? Discover how these floating whales became indispensable in times of conflict!

=> Fun Facts about Blimps

3. Bumblebees and Dinosaurs in the Sky

If you thought bumblebees and dinosaurs were extinct from the skies, then think again: special shape balloons bring these creatures to life at hot air balloon festivals like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, using innovative fabrics and designs to create everything from flowers to prehistoric giants, and allowing spectators to bask in their colorful glow during "Glowdeo" events held in the evenings.
Source => visitalbuquerque.org

4. Whimsical Balloon Creations

Holy cow, it's a flying cathedral! Seriously, who let the balloon-imal artist get their hands on a hot air balloon? Well, these udderly unique creations do exist: Hot air balloons like Airabelle the cow and Josie the flying cathedral are specially shaped and designed for promotional events, holding up to 12 passengers in their whimsical gondolas.
Source => skyridersballoon.com

5. Daredevil Dog Parachutist

Before "ruff" landings were in "vogue," one daredevil dog had it all sewn up: Jean Pierre Blanchard tested a parachute made of folded silk cloth in 1785, successfully dropping a canine from a hot air balloon, only for humans to adopt it 126 years later during World War I for emergency plane situations.
Source => fly.historicwings.com

6. Aerial Strip Tease

Talk about a full monty with a twist: in 1785, while crossing the English Channel by hot air balloon, adventurous aeronauts Jean-Pierre Blanchard and John Jeffries had to toss nearly everything out of their basket, including their clothes and Blanchard's trousers, to stay afloat and avoid an impromptu dip in the Channel.
Source => history.com

7. Pop Culture Balloon Fiesta

Up, up, and away in my beautiful balloon: The first successful manned hot air balloon flight took place in 1783 in France, and while today they're primarily used for joyrides, sightseeing, and racing, these high-flying vessels have made their way into pop culture through annual festivals like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, USA, which draws thousands of high-spirited spectators.
Source => dailymail.co.uk