Arguably the most beautiful objects in the entire world, hot air balloons take advantage of some interesting physics and have a long history of killing their occupants. Find out more.
AI Summary
In this Stuff You Should Know episode, Josh and Chuck take to the skies to explore the fascinating world of hot air balloons. They trace the surprisingly recent history of these colorful giants, from the Montgolfier brothers' first flights in 18th century France to their modern revival in the 1950s. The hosts break down how hot air balloons actually work (spoiler: it's all about buoyancy and air density), explain the surprisingly simple yet skill-intensive art of piloting one, and reveal why every balloon ride traditionally ends with champagne.
Movies Discussed
Around the World in 80 Days
"around the world in 80 days, apparently it wasn't like a balloon race story — Josh was discussing how he thought the story involved balloons based on movie adaptations."
— Josh
Curb Your Enthusiasm
"in what seemed like a real life curb your enthusiasm episode — The hosts mentioned it in an ad read describing a basketball incident involving Meek Mill."
Raiders of the Lost Ark
"like toast from Raiders of the Lost Ark — Josh used it as an analogy for how nylon has a high melting point before it burns."
— Josh
The Impossible
"There's like a scene in there, isn't there, where they release like a bunch of those? — Josh was trying to remember a tsunami movie with Naomi Watts that featured floating lanterns."
— Josh
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