TLDR: Balloons are big bags filled with air or gas that can float in the sky. They can be powered by hot air or gas and are used for fun, sport, and even scientific exploration.

Balloons are a type of aircraft that can stay in the air because they are filled with air or gas that is lighter than the surrounding atmosphere. They can be free-floating, moving with the wind, or tethered to a fixed point. Balloons are different from airships, which are powered and can be controlled.

There are three main types of balloons: hot air balloons, gas balloons, and combination balloons. Hot air balloons use heated air to rise and stay in the air. Gas balloons are filled with gases like hydrogen or helium, which are lighter than the surrounding air. Combination balloons use both heated and unheated lifting gases to control their altitude.

Balloons have been used for various purposes throughout history. They have been used for military observation, scientific exploration, and even as a form of transportation. In recent years, balloons have become popular for sport and leisure activities, such as hot air balloon races and festivals.

Some notable achievements in ballooning include the first manned flight in a hot air balloon by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783, the first crossing of the Pacific Ocean in a hot air balloon in 1978, and the highest altitude reached by a manned balloon in 2014.

Ballooning continues to be a popular activity for both recreational and scientific purposes. It offers a unique way to experience the sky and explore the world from a different perspective.

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