How high can a helium balloon rise?
Thanks for the question, Jade! You may know that helium is lighter than air, and a balloon filled with helium will rise if you let go of it. But what eventually happens to the balloon you released at your local carnival? It depends on a few things including the quality of the balloon, how much helium is in the balloon, and how heavy the balloon (and its string) are. Generally, your typical party balloon will rise over 2000 meters! (1.2 miles) Then the air pressure and cold temperatures usually cause the balloon to burst, sending the pieces of latex down to earth. On a windy day, those pieces could land hundreds of miles from where you released the balloon. By the way, NASA has scientific helium balloons that are designed for high altitudes. They can rise to 26 miles high and hang out in the atmosphere for up to two weeks! Now you know.
-Science Bob
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