Unveiling the Mystery of High-Altitude Balloons
High-altitude balloons have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. They are designed to function using the same principles: a partially filled balloon is released, and as it climbs and the air thins, the gas inside expands and fully inflates the balloon.[0] The most common gases used are hydrogen and helium.[0] These balloons are used for a variety of purposes, but lately have been linked with the unidentified objects that have been reported in the news.
The most recent news story involves the F-16 fighter jet sent to shoot down an aerial object over Lake Huron.[1] The first shot missed, but the second shot hit and the missile landed harmlessly in the water according to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.[2]
The first of the four objects shot down in February was a balloon traced to the People’s Republic of China, which entered US airspace over Montana on February 1 and was shot down off the coast of South Carolina February 4.[3] The remaining three have been referred to as unidentified objects that were moving slowly through the skies around the same altitude that planes fly.[0]
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that there is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity in relation to these events.[3] This hasn’t stopped public speculation as to what the objects could be, and why they were not detected until now.
High-altitude balloons continue to be a mystery, but the purpose of their use is clear. While some are designed for surveillance or research, it is uncertain what the unidentified objects were intended for. As more and more objects are spotted, the truth behind these aerial enigmas may soon be revealed.
0. “No, aliens aren't here. Here's what high-altitude balloons are used for” WAAY, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.waaytv.com/no-aliens-arent-here-heres-what-high-altitude-balloons-are-used-for/article_348eb0ce-5ca7-5211-ab91-b4a50f54820f.html
1. “Confusion abounds on UFO origins” The Hill, 15 Feb. 2023, https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/3858540-confusion-abounds-on-ufo-origins/
2. “Information trickles out about downing of flying objects” Roll Call , 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.rollcall.com/2023/02/14/information-trickles-out-about-downing-of-flying-objects/
3. “Why the US might be finding more unidentified flying objects” Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.popsci.com/technology/unidentified-flying-objects-sensor-change
