Have you ever dreamed of soaring high above the clouds? This weekend, you may have the chance to witness a unique event that could make that dream a reality. A Chinese balloon is set to float over Western North Carolina early Saturday morning, according to a new model.
The balloon, named Long March 6, is set to launch from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, China, on Friday. The model shows that the balloon is expected to reach an altitude of approximately 200,000 feet, or approximately 60 kilometers, by Saturday morning. It will then travel across the Atlantic Ocean and over the United States, eventually reaching the western part of North Carolina.
The balloon is expected to reach its highest point of 200,000 feet at around 5:30 a.m. EST on Saturday. From there, it will slowly descend as it continues to travel eastward. By around 8 a.m. EST, the balloon is expected to reach an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet, or 15 kilometers, and will be visible in the western part of North Carolina.
The Long March 6 is a type of high-altitude balloon, known as a superpressure balloon, which is designed to remain at a consistent altitude for long periods of time. This type of balloon has been used in the past to conduct scientific research and to provide telecommunications services.
This weekend, the Long March 6 will be providing a unique opportunity for sky-watchers in the western part of North Carolina. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you might be able to catch a glimpse of this amazing sight. So, keep your eyes to the sky this Saturday morning and you might just see a Chinese balloon soaring above the clouds.
Source: wlos.com