Ben Franklin's Balloons Preview
Season 41
Episode 17
About the Episode
The first stage in human flight didn’t begin with the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, but with daring inventors and aeronauts in 18th century Paris. In a period of just 19 months, humanity not only left the ground for the first time but thanks to a handful of brilliant and colorful pioneers, developed all the essential features of today's hot air air and gas balloons.
Aired:
| Expires: | Runtime: 30s
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Extras
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What Caused Baltimore’s Key Bridge to Collapse?
Engineers explain how a vulnerability made the bridge open to catastrophe.2:57 -
This Pompeii Priest Had an Unexpected Rise to Power
In a recently discovered tomb in Pompeii, archeologists made a startling discovery.2:58 -
A Brutal Gladiator Fight in Ancient Pompeii
At a gladiator match in ancient Pompeii, tensions exploded and spectators became fighters in a riot.2:37 -
This Asteroid Might Make Impact With Earth in 2032
An asteroid is on a collision course with Earth, possibly making impact in 2032.3:33 -
Opening a Sealed Egyptian Tomb
Archaeologists remove the mud brick seal of an unopened Egyptian tomb.2:38 -
How the Afterlife Shaped Ancient Egypt
Discover why the ancient Egyptians invested so much in life after death.1:15 -
The God’s Wife of Amun: Powerful Women in Ancient Egypt
Discover a time in Ancient Egypt when women held a role with extraordinary power.3:03 -
The $8 Billion Overhaul of LaGuardia Airport: Engineering a New Era
Discover how an $8 billion transformation turned LaGuardia into a state-of-the-art facility.2:12 -
Baltimore Bridge Collapse Preview
Follow the investigation into the deadly container ship collision that closed the Port of Baltimore.0:30 -
How Birds Evolved to Fly (feat. Slow-Mo Baby Birds)
Slow-motion footage of baby birds helps scientists uncover how their ancestors took to the skies.2:56
