Are Most UFO Sightings From the Pico Ballooning Hobby?

by Mike Levin

Hey ChatGPT: What is the hobby of pico ballooning?

Pico ballooning is a hobby that involves launching small, lightweight helium-filled balloons, typically no larger than a party balloon, into the upper atmosphere to take pictures, collect data, or conduct experiments. These balloons are often equipped with miniature cameras, GPS devices, and sensors to measure temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions.

Pico ballooning is a relatively new and low-cost approach to high-altitude ballooning, and it has gained popularity among hobbyists, students, and scientists alike. The balloons can reach altitudes of 20-30 kilometers and travel great distances, with some journeys lasting for days or even weeks.

One of the unique aspects of pico ballooning is that the balloons are often launched with the intention of retrieving them after they descend back to the ground, rather than being lost or destroyed as is often the case with larger, more expensive high-altitude balloons. This allows hobbyists and researchers to recover their payloads and study the data they have collected, making pico ballooning a practical and rewarding activity for those interested in science and technology.

Hey ChatGPT: How big can a pico balloon get and what shapes might they come in and at what altitudes do they fly?

Pico balloons are generally defined as small, lightweight balloons that weigh no more than a few grams and have a diameter of no more than a few feet. The exact size and weight limit can vary depending on the organization or group that defines them, but generally, pico balloons are much smaller and lighter than typical high-altitude balloons used for scientific research or weather monitoring.

In terms of shape, pico balloons can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are typically spherical or oblong in shape. Some hobbyists may create custom shapes or designs for their balloons, but the most important factor is keeping the balloon as lightweight as possible while still allowing it to lift the payload and reach high altitudes.

Pico balloons can reach altitudes of 20-30 kilometers (12-19 miles), which is within the stratosphere. At this altitude, the balloon will be exposed to low temperatures, low pressure, and low humidity, so the payload must be designed to operate in these conditions. The balloon’s ascent rate will also need to be carefully controlled to prevent it from bursting or drifting too far off course.

Overall, pico ballooning is a fascinating and challenging hobby that requires a lot of planning and preparation, but it can yield some incredible results in terms of data collection, photography, and scientific research.