The Wicked Balloons Journal

Ballooning stories, history & how-tos

Everything about hot air ballooning — from the very first flight in 1783 to planning your own sunrise ride over New England.

Curious why do hot air balloons float? A clear, friendly breakdown of buoyancy, density, and the burner science behind every sunrise flight.

Who invented the hot air balloon? Meet Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, the French brothers behind the first flight in 1783.

Discover what makes special shape hot air balloons different from traditional balloons and why they steal the show at every festival.

Curious how to become a hot air balloon pilot? Here's a clear look at FAA training, certificates, and what flight lessons really…

Discover when hot air balloon season in New England runs, why sunrise flights matter, and how to plan the perfect ride.

Curious how do hot air balloons work? Learn the simple physics of hot air, buoyancy, and altitude control behind every sunrise flight.

Curious about the Aeronauts true story? We separate the real 1862 balloon flight from the Hollywood drama, fact by fact.

The true story of the first hot air balloon flight in 1783, from the Montgolfier brothers' experiments to Paris's historic manned ascent.

From Around the World in 80 Days to Up, explore the iconic history of hot air balloons in movies and why filmmakers…

Plan a fall foliage hot air balloon ride over Massachusetts: peak color timing, sunrise launch windows, and what to expect from the…