I went to a local festival that featured hot air balloons and a short fireworks display where I volunteered to help a pilot ready his balloon for a balloon glow. This is where 20 or so balloons get inflated and fire their burners all at the same time.
Helping out got me get up close and personal to the sights and mechanics of what goes into ballooning. Did you know that balloon pilots are licensed just like any other pilots of conventional aircraft? It was also interesting to note that there were three FAA officials present for the event.
We were teamed up with a couple from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were sporting a new Planet Earth balloon that consists of 436 individually printed panels sewn together. Images were taken from NASA’s “Blue Marble” photographs of earth taken by the crew of Apollo 17 in 1972. Check them out here
Due to wind conditions, the glow ended before the grand reveal but it was fun and did provide a unique perspective. Check out the Planet Earth balloon as well as others here.
Check out the series here.