Hot air balloons have captured the imagination of people around the world since their inception in the 18th century. These colorful giants, floating gracefully through the sky, offer a unique blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning views.
How Hot Air Balloons Work
The fundamental principle behind hot air ballooning is simple: warm air rises. The balloon consists of three main parts:
Envelope: This is the large, colorful fabric that holds the hot air. Its shape is crucial for creating lift.
Burner: Positioned above the envelope, the burner uses propane to heat the air inside the balloon. The flames produce hot air, causing the balloon to ascend.
Basket: Typically made of wicker or other lightweight materials, the basket carries passengers and equipment. It is attached to the envelope with strong cables.
When the air inside the envelope is heated, it becomes less dense than the cooler air outside, resulting in lift. Pilots control altitude by regulating the burner, adding heat to rise or allowing the air to cool for descent.
In art class here at Barry STEAM Academy, the kids learned all about hot air balloons. Albuquerque has an annual Balloon Festival and they got to watch a time lapse video from a few years ago to get to experience what happens when the balloons take off and land. They were so excited and amazed with the balloons, and their task was to draw their own hot air balloon. I think they all did a fabulous job with their designs. There are a few on display in this picture to show just how talented this kids are!!