Hot air balloon over Auburn, Washington, USA
© Taliesin Black-Brown and Ben Cowan/Nimia
Hot air balloon over Auburn, Washington, USA
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 rooster, and finally, Etienne Montgolfier took a ride himself. Designs have improved since then, resulting in the standard hot air balloon seen here.
Balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, USA
Rainbow balloons for Pride Month
Hot air balloons over Clifton Suspension Bridge at sunrise, Bristol
Hot air balloon with a smile
Pilgrims throwing wind horses into the air above Ganden Monastery for the New Year in Tibet, China
Rainbow-coloured balloons at the Pride in London parade
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs until 14 October
Inside a hot air balloon envelope during inflation at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
