What is the History of Hot Air Balloons?
Using generated heat to capture rising air inside an envelope of material, the hot air balloon concept has fascinated scientists and speculators for centuries. Hot air balloons were one of the first methods of flight created by humans. Although their documented history is generally only begins in the 18th century, some evidence suggest that the balloons have been in the minds of humans for thousands of years.
Using generated heat to capture rising air inside an envelope of material, the hot air balloon concept has fascinated scientists and speculators for centuries. Hot air balloons were one of the first methods of flight created by humans. Although their documented history is generally only begins in the 18th century, some evidence suggest that the balloons have been in the minds of humans for thousands of years. China generally claims credit for being the first to make use of the technology. Heated air is lighter than cold air, so if there is a sufficient envelope to trap the air, the device it is attached to will rise. In the 3rd century, small unmanned versions of hot air balloons, called Kongming lanterns, were used as signaling devices during the constant military campaigns of the time. These lanterns later became traditional at some Chinese festivals.
