National Balloon Ascension Day commemorates the remarkable event that took place on January 9, 1793. Many years ago, Jean-Pierre Blanchard took to the skies in a balloon and completed a daring flight across the English Channel. Let’s remember his achievement today!
History
Jean-Pierre Blanchard was born in 1753 in northern France, the son of a turner. From childhood, he was fascinated by mechanics and dreamed of flying like a bird. He experimented with building flying machines with wings, but none were successful. Instead of being discouraged by public failures, his curiosity drove him to try even harder.
Blanchard did not make his successful flight alone; aboard the balloon was American physician Dr. John Jeffreys. Their balloon resembled a boat, complete with an anchor and wings. While the flight started smoothly, after an hour they began to lose altitude. The men had to throw overboard all their belongings: tools, ballast, anchor, food, and in the final moments—even their clothes.
The landing was far from gentle: the pilots missed the embankment where crowds had gathered and ended up landing in a forest. Despite this, their accomplishment amazed the world! A column was later erected to commemorate their flight. On National Balloon Ascension Day, it’s worth remembering this milestone that marked a new era in aviation history.
Interesting Facts
It is noteworthy that:
- Jean-Pierre Blanchard died in 1808 after falling during a balloon flight over The Hague;
- In 2015, a balloon reached a record altitude of 69,000 feet using a similar design;
- The weight balloons can carry is severely limited by design and air pressure;
- Flight altitude is controlled by adjusting temperature—cooling or heating the air inside.
How to Take Part
The perfect way to celebrate National Balloon Ascension Day is to take a balloon flight! It’s even more special if the landscape is beautiful—enjoying breathtaking views is twice as rewarding. If you’re afraid of heights, this could be the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself!
When is Balloon Ascension Day in 2026?
Balloon Ascension Day is observed on January 9 each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Friday | January | 9 | 2026 |
| Saturday | January | 9 | 2027 |
| Sunday | January | 9 | 2028 |
| Tuesday | January | 9 | 2029 |
