How far can helium baloons, like the ones at birthday parties, travel? How many miles before they pop?

Answer 1

I heard on a radio show (Coast-to-Coast AM) an amazing and incredible replay of a man in 1970's Los Angeles (via CB radio) who actually became airborne in a chaise lounge with 100 large helium-filled balloons. It is simply riveting to listen to the recorded account in which his voyage was suddenly jump-started due to the unexpected power of lift from the balloons in which his chaise lounge (anchored to a jeep) was torn away. He soared to 24,000 feet! A pilot of a major airline passing by was in shock and had to report to the tower the flying chaise lounge! It was hysterical! The man was an engineer, I believe at one of the local aerospace companies. He maintained CB radio contact with his girlfriend on the ground, who was totally frantic and freaked out. He took with him a be-be-gun to shoot each balloon gradually to lower his altitude. Eventually, he brought the chaise lounge back down to the area of Glendale, and he crash landed in a residential backyard right next to another man--- laying on his chaise lounge. It was unbelievable, and a riot!

Answer 2

I found one in Death Valley but there was no telling where it originated. Years ago, children used to put messages in bottles offering a reward if the finder of the bottle would write back where found. perhaps this would be a good science project with balloons to identify common wind paths in your area and the reliability of Helium balloons?

Answer 3

Being lighter than air, they float or rise. They can only go as high as the air pressure then equals the helium inside the ballon. There they will stay.

Answer 4

I dont think they pop until they hit the ground and find a sticker.