What a passion for aerostatic balloons! Invented more than two centuries ago by the French Mongolfiere, hot-air balloons continue to represent a valid hobby and an experience out of the ordinary for millions of fans around the world, despite futuristic aeronautics technology developed during the course of years.
For decades this aerostatic balloon has represented, before the invention of the non-rigid airships (also known as blimps) and airplanes, a valid means of transportation for European nobles. In the last century, however, it was mainly used as an attraction at fairs, patron-saint celebrations or as an immediate advertising means where the spectator is lured by the fascination of just looking at it in the sky: almost like a dream in a super technological world.
There are mainly two types of hot-air balloons still in use, strictly classified by the type of gas they use for flight.
With hot air: the type prepared by the Lumiere brothers in 1780. The balloon is simply filled with hot air.
Rozier balloon: an aerostatic balloon that, in order to lift off, uses a well measured mixture of hot air and light gases. These balloons were able to circumnavigate the world.
The following is a list of major events dedicated to hot-air balloons. The most important one is without a doubt the Hot-Air Balloon World Championship Hofkirchen bei Hartberg held in Styria, Austria, where over 40 contestants compete to win the world championship title. The event's organizers have also arranged 50 "leisure" hot-air balloons for non-contestants and for those wishing to experience the thrill of flight.
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