日前，在美国新墨西哥州阿尔伯克基国际热气球节上，600多个热气球升空扮靓天空。
Inflating
Launched in 1972, the Albuquerque balloon festival draws enthusiasts from all over the world. This year, 42 states and 24 countries are represented. Amongst the most popular events is a mass ascension, in which all participants rise into the sky in two waves.
开始于1972年的阿尔伯克基热气球嘉年华吸引了来自全世界的爱好者的目光。今年，来自42个州和24个国家的爱好者参加。
Holding On 奋力一搏
A participants holds on to the crown line of a balloon on the first day of the festival. Albuquerque has a long association with ballooning, going back more than a century.
嘉年华的第一天，一个参赛者用力抓住热气球的绳子。阿尔伯克基和热气球有这1个多世纪的渊源。
Aloft 热气球纷纷上升
Because of a local wind phenomenon known as the "Albuquerque Box," the area is ideally suited to a balloon festival. In October of every year, the wind follows a predictable pattern, blowing northerly at higher altitudes and southerly at lower altitudes, allowing for a smooth navigation.
当地的一种被称作阿尔伯克基盒子的风使这里非常适合热气球飞行。 在每年的10月份，风在可以预测的情况下发生，从南北风向在不同维度吹过，非常适合气球导航。
Picture Perfect
The festival is also a very popular destination for photographers.
Air Time
During the festival, rides cost $350 per person.
Smiley
Other events at the festival include balloon races and The Fiesta Challenge, in which contestants attempt to drop a marker closest to a target.
In Focus
During the Dawn Patrol, above, pilots take off before sunrise and appraise wind conditions for the others.
Lighten Up
The festival lasts nine days. This year it runs from October 4 through October 12.