ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Research balloon

A research balloon is like a big, round balloon that scientists use to explore the sky. The balloon is filled with a special gas called helium that's lighter than the air around us. This makes the balloon rise up into the sky.

On the bottom of the research balloon, there is usually a little basket that holds scientific equipment. The scientists use this equipment to collect data or take pictures of things in the air, like the clouds and the sun.

When the research balloon is ready to be launched, the scientists make sure the weather is good and that everything is secure. Then they let go of the balloon and watch as it rises up into the sky. They use special tools to track the balloon and make sure it's going where they want it to go.

Once the research balloon has finished its mission, the scientists bring it back down to the ground and recover the equipment. Then they can look at all the data they collected and use it for their research.