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Space mysteries beckon for Wanaka NASA balloon

Author
Adam Walker ,
Publish Date
Fri, 6 Mar 2015, 7:39AM
A NASA balloon floating above earth (Supplied)
A NASA balloon floating above earth (Supplied)

Space mysteries beckon for Wanaka NASA balloon

Author
Adam Walker ,
Publish Date
Fri, 6 Mar 2015, 7:39AM

NASA scientists could potentially discover new planets, or even discover the origins of the universe when a massive balloon leaves Wanaka next week.

The balloon,  around the size of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium when fully inflated, will collect data over 100 days from around 40 kilometres above ground.

It's made of a material similar to plastic sandwich bags and cost more than one million dollars to make.

Campaign manager, Dwayne Orr says the data they'll collect will look at a number of different scientific conundrums.

"We could look at the origins of the universe, or cosmic rays, or ozone holes could be of interest."
NASA scientists will carefully monitor the wind in Wanaka over the next week.

The balloon is set to float to South America collecting data.

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