What historic event occurred on 21 November, 1783?

On 21 November 1783, the historic event that took place was the first manned flight in a hot air balloon, piloted by Pilatre d'Rozier and Francois d'Arlandes. This flight marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation, as it demonstrated the feasibility of human flight using lighter-than-air technology. The balloon used for this flight was a Montgolfier balloon, which was filled with hot air and allowed the pilots to ascend to an altitude of about 3,000 feet for approximately five miles, before safely descending back to the ground.

This event is heralded as a crucial moment in aeronautics, paving the way for further developments in ballooning and eventually leading to advancements in various forms of flight. It established the groundwork for future aviation endeavors, spotlighting the potential for humans to travel through the air. Other options like the first powered flight and the ascent of Mount Everest belong to different time periods and contexts in aviation and exploration history, making them unrelated to the significant achievement that occurred on that specific date.