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The death-defying science of the aeronauts

Air ballooning is not as serene as you might think, and its history is filled with daring and dangerous journeys. Historian Tim Wingard explains how aeronauts James Glaisher and Henry Coxwell risked life and limb to better understand the science of the weather and tell the world about their discoveries.

Words by Tim Wingard

  • In pictures

About the author

Tim Wingard

Tim Wingard is a PhD Candidate at the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York. His research explores late medieval European literary and scientific representations of animals, nature and sexuality.