Aerostation

Aerostation, commonly known as ballooning, is the science and practice of using lighter-than-air craft, such as balloons or airships, to explore and travel through the atmosphere. These craft rely on gases like helium or hot air that are less dense than the surrounding air, giving them buoyancy. Pilots control altitude by adjusting the heat or the amount of gas, but horizontal movement depends largely on wind currents. Aerostation has applications in meteorology, scientific research, and recreational flying, offering a vehicle that provides a unique, observable perspective of the atmosphere without motorized propulsion.