Preliminary Observations from High Altitude Solar Balloons

Abstract:

Solar balloons provide a platform for earth and atmospheric observations, including the monitoring of atmospheric infrasound (sound below human hearing). Infrasonic monitoring can be used to detect both man-made and natural activities, including activities from geologic sources. Infrasound data collection capabilities are impeded by other ambient noise sources, which are eliminated through the use of balloons. A recently funded NASA PSTAR project aims to demonstrate the ability to use solar balloon-based infrasound measurements to study seismic activity in Oklahoma. Utilizing solar balloons as a research platform enables data collection throughout the day, with the payload retrieved after sunset. This will serve as a technology demonstration and Earth analog for the proposed mission to study the interior structure of Venus by recording infrasound from its seismic activity. Beyond seismic data, these measurements are likely to provide valuable information about infrasound production from severe storms, including tornadoes. In preparation for these analog missions, scheduled for the summer of 2021, we have begun launching balloons with various data packages. This presentation will report on the preliminary balloon launches and measurements that have been recorded to date.