By: Matt Heiser

Balloon- lighter-than-air craft consisting of a large spherical, pliant bag made of varnished silk, rubber, or other suitable nonporous material and containing either hot air or a gas that is lighter than air.

The first hot air-used balloon was used by two French brothers named Jacques Étienne and Joseph Michel Montgolfier. These men were from Annonay, France. They were wealthy papermakers in this city.

Jacques Alexandre César Charles was the first man to make a balloon filled with hydrogen, this balloon stayed in the air four a two-hour period.

Jacques Alexandre César Charles was the first man to make a flight in a balloon; he did this by Paris.

Hot Air Balloons were used in the civil war for finding out what the enemy is doing, where they are going, and where they are starting to go.

Another way Hot Air Balloons are used are for fun filling activities. Such as racing and for people who haven't had the experience of flying one of these huge things. Racing didn't start till 1906 and held till the start of WWII (1939) when it was discontinued. At this time Europe still has sport racing.

Dr. Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones were the first people to circle the world nonstop. It took 19 days and 21 hours. Starting in Switzerland and then landing in Egypt.

Bibliography:

ENCARTA