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Zenith balloon ascent, 1875
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Zenith balloon ascent, 1875
Zenith balloon ascent. Coloured historical artwork of the 1875 Zenith flight. Journalist Joseph Eustache Croce-Spinelli (1845-1875), naval officer Henri Theodore Sivel (1834-1875), and French author and scientist Gaston Tissandier (1843-1899) are seen in the basket of the balloon Zenith after losing consciousness due to lack of oxygen. They reached an altitude of 8, 600 metres (28, 000 feet) near Paris, France, on 15th April 1875. Croce- Spinelli and Sivel never regained consciousness and died during this ascent. Tissandier survived, but the ordeal left him deaf. This illustration was published in The Atmosphere by Camille Flammarion, in 1873
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Media ID 6441743
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1870s 1875 Aeronaut Aeronautics Air Craft April Ascending Ascent Aviation Aviation Pioneer Ballooning Balloonist Basket Camille Flammarion Dead Deafness Death Drawing Dying Engraving Fatal Flying France French Gaston Tissandier History Of Flight Hot Air Balloon Pioneers The Atmosphere Transport Transportation Unconscious Asphyxiation Fatalities Unconsciousness Zenith
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This print captures a pivotal moment in the history of aviation. In 1875, aboard the Zenith balloon near Paris, three brave men embarked on an extraordinary journey that would ultimately cost them their lives. Journalist Joseph Eustache Croce-Spinelli, naval officer Henri Theodore Sivel, and French author and scientist Gaston Tissandier can be seen in the basket of the balloon, unaware of the perilous fate awaiting them. Ascending to an astonishing altitude of 8,600 meters (28,000 feet), these pioneers pushed the boundaries of human exploration. However, as they soared higher into thin air and lower oxygen levels prevailed, tragedy struck. The lack of oxygen caused all three men to lose consciousness during this fateful ascent. Sadly, Croce-Spinelli and Sivel never regained consciousness and succumbed to their fate amidst the vast expanse above. Tissandier miraculously survived but paid a heavy price for his survival - he was left deaf by this harrowing ordeal. Published in Camille Flammarion's renowned book "The Atmosphere" in 1873, this colored historical artwork serves as a poignant reminder of both humanity's relentless pursuit for knowledge and the inherent risks involved in such endeavors. As we gaze upon this image today with awe and reverence for these courageous individuals who paved the way for modern aviation, let us also remember their sacrifice - a testament to human resilience and our unyielding spirit of exploration.
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