Sky lanterns, also known as Kongming Lantern or Chinese lanterns are airborne paper lanterns that are best known as a tradition found in many Asian cultures. They are traditionally constructed from oiled rice paper on a bamboo or wire frame, and contain a small fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern, lowering its density relative to the surrounding air causing the lantern to rise into the air. The sky lantern is only airborne for as long as the flame stays alight, after which the lantern descends back to the ground