The University of Wyoming's small scientific balloon program

Over 500 small scientific balloons have been launched by the University of Wyoming's Atmospheric Physics Group from 26 locations over the globe in a study of stratospheric aerosol physics and chemistry which began in 1971. These flighs have led to a basic understanding of the evolution of sulfurous gases, injected into the stratosphere by major volcanic eruptions, into sulfuric acid aerosol droplets. The recent use of new, thin film balloon technology, to reduce cost and simplify launch techniques, has been a major advantage to the program.