Born on June 4
The First Montgolfier Balloon
Linen, paper, hot air: the sky opens.
Next: June 4, 2027
Where it comes from
On 4 June 1783 the brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, papermakers from Annonay in the Ardèche region of France, sent a hot-air balloon up from their town's public square, and this Story marks the anniversary.
How it's celebrated
There is no organised observance, so mark it in your own way: watch a balloon launch if one flies near you, read about the first passengers, or show a child why warm air rises.
Did you know
The first passengers, sent up from Versailles on 19 September 1783, were a sheep, a duck and a rooster.
Read the full story of The First Montgolfier Balloon
Star sign
Gemini · May 21 – June 20 · Air sign
Curious and chatty, always with two ideas on the go.