Ballooning Exploration

Andromeda Galaxy  (Herschel.caltech)

Balloons are often associated with fun and frivolity, but can sometimes mean serious business.

NASA is planning to launch a telescope 24.6 miles into the upper atmosphere aboard a “stadium-size balloon.”  From that lofty height, the telescope will be able to detect far-infrared wavelengths of light that Earth’s atmosphere blocks.

Such exploration will assist scientists in understanding “star formation” and “galaxy evolution.”  Balloon usage will

reduce expenditures of time and money, which bodes well for future endeavors.

Resources

https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-to-send-stadium-sized-balloon-to-study-the-cosmos/