INDIANAPOLIS — After a massive balloon suspected of being used by China was found over the United States last week, WRTV is learning more about how balloons that look similar are used to help with forecasting.
Dozens of real weather balloons are sent up twice a day from National Weather Service offices around the United States.
"They're small," said NWS meteorologist Ted Funk. "Nothing like the one that's been in the news."
U.S. officials say the balloon that flew over the United States was 200 feet tall.
The balloon was roughly the size of an airport control tower and “probably" weighed "in excess of a couple thousand pounds,” according to Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command.
Across the country, roughly 90 balloons launch just before 6 a.m. and again just before 6 p.m., according to Funk.
The wind carries the small aircraft, and the balloon expands as it rises.
"It has instrumentation on it that gives us temperature, humidity, pressure, wind direction, wind speed — things of that nature," said Funk.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis does not launch balloons, but the closest stations that do conduct launches are located just north of Cincinnati, Ohio and near Springfield, Illinois.
WRTV meteorologist Todd Klaassen says the balloons are in the air for only a couple of hours.
"Essentially they get to a certain height, usually around 60,000 feet and then they just pop," Klaassen said.
The radiosonde, which is the small data-collection device connected to the balloon, slowly falls back down to the earth with a little parachute.
Klaassen says these weather-data collection balloons only travel short distances and do not span several states.
The Chinese balloon was spotted over Montanaand later downed off the Carolina coast.
RELATED: ‘Derelict balloon’: Air traffic control recordings hear pilots spot Chinese spy balloon | US Navy recovers Chinese spy balloon in Atlantic after it was shot down
-
Summer Jam announced for Gainbridge Fieldhouse with GloRilla and more
Summer Jam will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 27, featuring performances by GloRilla, BossMan Dlow, Skilla Baby, Jaquees, Big Boogie, and Queen Key. Tickets go on sale May 2.
WNBA All-Star Game tickets sell within 5 hours; Friday events still available
The excitement is building for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, as the allocated tickets for the main event were completely purchased within 5 hours.
Tyrese Haliburton scolds father for postgame fracas after Pacers eliminate Bucks
Haliburton says he had a talk with his dad and doesn't agree with what happened. He adds, “I don't think my pops was in the right at all.”
Indiana Fever to kick off preseason with ‘pack the plaza’ diaper donation drive
The Indiana Fever are excited to tip off their preseason this Saturday, but before the game begins, fans are invited to help local families in need through a special diaper and wipes donation drive.
