The Aeronauts: Travels in the Air

The true story behind the major motion picture—and one of the greatest daredevil stories in the history of aviation, with an introduction by Professor Liz Bentley, chief executive at the Royal Meteorological Society

In 1862, ambitious scientist James Glaisher set out to do the impossible: ascend higher into the skies than ever before. A pioneer of weather forecasting and of photography and a founding member of the Royal Meteorological Society, he wanted to take groundbreaking research measurements from different altitudes.

On September 5, along with experienced balloonist Henry Coxwell as his pilot, he lifted off in a hot air balloon for what would prove to be a death-defying and historic flight. Rising above the English countryside, they rose to the remarkable height of 37,000 feet (7 miles or 11km), almost killing both men, who experienced blurred vision, loss of motor function, and, eventually, unconsciousness. It was a miracle they survived to tell the tale.

Written in his own words, The Aeronauts chronicles Glaisher’s incredible flights and discoveries first hand, as well as his observations on those pioneers who came before and inspired him. His audaciously daring journey forms the story of the 2019 major motion picture The Aeronauts.