Residents of Northern Colorado have found themselves looking skyward this week at the appearance of a mysterious white balloon gliding gracefully overhead. The balloon, which has sparked a fair share of curiosity, has been identified as a scientific research instrument, according to multiple reports.
Amidst the flurry of inquiries to local media, Denver7 received a tip-off from a local named Chris, who observed the balloon from Keenesburg, CO. "We noticed there is a possible weather balloon north by northwest of where we live. When we looked through our binoculars, it was clearly a weather balloon or something that was gathering information. Similar to the balloon that was found floating around California a few years ago," Chris said, as per Denver7. Yet, the purpose behind this high-flying object was to soon become clearer.
The enigmatic object has been demystified further with confirmation that it is not just any ordinary weather balloon. The apparatus, as disclosed by a statement from KOSI 101, is carrying a payload for NASA. It’s tasked with the critical mission of "measuring solar radiation in the stratosphere above the 40th parallel for up to two weeks," a mandate that extends beyond mere atmospheric observation. This scientific initiative commenced with a launch from northern Arizona last Saturday, as reported by KOSI 101.
Dubbed the Gryphon Stratolite, the craft operates at altitudes between 45,000 and 75,000 feet and relies on helium gas for its ascension into the stratosphere. The innovation doesn't stop at just hovering, this balloon is endowed with a rotator that orients its solar arrays, strategically hanging off the bottom toward the sun for optimal power harnessing. This intricate design speaks to its cutting-edge engineering, a feature succinctly, as noted by 9News.
