Hot Air Balloons

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VIDEO

Name ______ Gr.__ Mar. __

How Does a Hot Air Balloon Fly?

-Balloons are bags filled with a light gas or hot air both so light that the balloon floats in the air.-Hot-air balloons have a burner that continually fills the balloon with warm air to keep it afloat.-Balloons are normally launched at dusk or dawn when the air is quite calm. -As the air in the bag cools the balloon gradually sinks. To maintain height, the balloonist lights the burner to add warm air again.-To descend quickly the balloonist pulls a cord to let air out through a vent at the top of the balloon.

Basket

Most hot air balloons use a wicker basket

for the passenger compartment. Wicker

works very well because it is sturdy, flexible

and relatively lightweight. The flexibility

helps with balloon landings.

Hot Air Balloon Tim

eline