Difficulty: Explorer (Level 2)
A large number of hot air balloons went up into the sky on October 5, marking the start of the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The nine-day gathering draws thousands of spectators and pilots to the US state of New Mexico each autumn.
People cheered with excitement as the balloons floated away in the wind. Propane burners roared, and hundreds of balloons – from traditional globes to cartoonish figures – rose to dot the sky with colour.
“The mass ascension is just magical, unlike anything in the world really that I’ve seen,” said Paul Kluzak from Phoenix.
He had come twice before and arrived this year wearing a foot-tall hat resembling a hot-air balloon, with a camera slung around his neck. “Seeing them all at once is just really, really cool.”
This year’s fiesta included 106 balloons in special shapes, 16 of which made their debut. There was a slight weather delay as the winds were too strong. In addition, the morning air was unusually warm that day. That meant more fuel was needed for the balloons to rise and stay afloat (see graphic).
Temperatures have been rising worldwide. This year is likely to be the hottest on record.
Questions
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Why do hot air balloons need more fuel when it’s warmer?
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How will the warmer weather affect hot air balloon events in the future?
