The Aeronauts

James Glaisher was a real English meteorologist who is remembered for his pioneering work as a balloonist. Between 1862 and 1866 he made numerous ascents to measure the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere at its highest levels. With his co-pilot aeronaut Henry Tracey Coxwell, they broke the world record for altitude on September 5, 1862. Coxwell is omitted from the film, and replaced with the fictional Amelia Wren. The Wren character draws some inspiration from various real women most significantly Sophie Blanchard, a French aeronaut who was the first woman to work as a professional balloonist between 1804 and her death in 1819.

Anyone traveling in a balloon never feels the wind, or hears it, because they are advancing at the same speed. Wide shots depict this phenomenon, but in close-ups while aloft, both characters are shown affected by light gusts and the sound of the wind, scientifically inaccurate to the conditions of balloon travel.

During the opening credits, many of the Os in people's names slowly rise, as if symbolizing a balloon elevating.

Featured in CTV News at 11:30 Toronto: Episode dated 8 September 2019 (2019)