"somewhere between 32,000 and 37,000 feet (that’s 9.7 - 11.3km), making them the first humans to escape the lower atmosphere, and the record-holders to this day of the greatest height achieved without breathing apparatus."
But other animals can actually, and regularly, survive at those heights, without auxiliary oxygen supplies. The Rüppell's Griffon Vulture "is considered to be the highest-flying bird, with confirmed evidence of a flight at an altitude of 11,300 m (37,000 ft) above sea level." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rüppell%27s_vulture
I thought that was amazing before reading your article, but now, I'm even more impressed, especially when we understand that old-world vultures, as this one is, spot their prey by sight. Imagine being able to see something thing small, and probably unmoving, from that distance. "Here's looking at you," takes on a whole new meaning!
I'm looking forward to the new season, where the Sky's the limit. I hope you will include those who inhabit it, as well..
I remember as a small child drawing a stripe of blue across the top of the page to represent the sky over whatever scene I'd drawn. Until one day that didn't seem right and I asked my mother how thick should I draw the sky. My mind was so blown when she pointed out that the sky isn't only up in the sky, it goes all the way down to the ground. Sure enough, I looked outside and the blue came all the way down to the rooftops, and the treetops, and to the ground! We're all in the sky! All the time! What a trip!
I'm enthused about reading more mind blowing sky facts in your posts.
Love this … the sense of derring do, the fine margins between success and (well) death! Land, walk to the station, go find supper … brilliantly phlegmatic. Great writing, Mike.
I have read Firmament! I'm so excited to have actually read something you refer to, it makes me feel very well read. Looking forward to learning more about this sea of air we live in, I already had my mind blown multiple times when my 5 and 6 year old sons requested we learn about air for our homeschooling unit last year.
Oh I am excited for this season. We see a lot of tourists with altitude sickness and AMS around these parts, but a balloon to 37,000 whewie. No thank you.
My heart is pounding just reading about these [mis]adventures! I will never be the person who takes that kind of risk, but I'm grateful to those who have so I never need to question my decision.
"They fire off a telegram telling of their exploits, and wander off in search of dinner." Hahah!
I'm looking forward to this season! You might like the watch The Aeronauts on Amazon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aeronauts_(film) ) It tells almost the exact tale you describe, except that a woman was the one to climb the outside of the balloon to allow them to descend. It was terrifying...
"somewhere between 32,000 and 37,000 feet (that’s 9.7 - 11.3km), making them the first humans to escape the lower atmosphere, and the record-holders to this day of the greatest height achieved without breathing apparatus."
But other animals can actually, and regularly, survive at those heights, without auxiliary oxygen supplies. The Rüppell's Griffon Vulture "is considered to be the highest-flying bird, with confirmed evidence of a flight at an altitude of 11,300 m (37,000 ft) above sea level." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rüppell%27s_vulture
I thought that was amazing before reading your article, but now, I'm even more impressed, especially when we understand that old-world vultures, as this one is, spot their prey by sight. Imagine being able to see something thing small, and probably unmoving, from that distance. "Here's looking at you," takes on a whole new meaning!
I'm looking forward to the new season, where the Sky's the limit. I hope you will include those who inhabit it, as well..
I remember as a small child drawing a stripe of blue across the top of the page to represent the sky over whatever scene I'd drawn. Until one day that didn't seem right and I asked my mother how thick should I draw the sky. My mind was so blown when she pointed out that the sky isn't only up in the sky, it goes all the way down to the ground. Sure enough, I looked outside and the blue came all the way down to the rooftops, and the treetops, and to the ground! We're all in the sky! All the time! What a trip!
I'm enthused about reading more mind blowing sky facts in your posts.
Wow what a story! Love how low-key they were about it. “Do try, do try.”
Most uplifting.
Love this … the sense of derring do, the fine margins between success and (well) death! Land, walk to the station, go find supper … brilliantly phlegmatic. Great writing, Mike.
I have read Firmament! I'm so excited to have actually read something you refer to, it makes me feel very well read. Looking forward to learning more about this sea of air we live in, I already had my mind blown multiple times when my 5 and 6 year old sons requested we learn about air for our homeschooling unit last year.
Oh I am excited for this season. We see a lot of tourists with altitude sickness and AMS around these parts, but a balloon to 37,000 whewie. No thank you.
In my recurring childhood dreams a balloon got bigger and bigger 🤨
Great story thanks!
Marvellous, thank you. I do wonder how much my/our consumption of sweets (and the chemicals in them) drove those crazy childhood dreams
Thanks, Mike, some amazing read that was!
My heart is pounding just reading about these [mis]adventures! I will never be the person who takes that kind of risk, but I'm grateful to those who have so I never need to question my decision.
"They fire off a telegram telling of their exploits, and wander off in search of dinner." Hahah!
I'm looking forward to this season! You might like the watch The Aeronauts on Amazon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aeronauts_(film) ) It tells almost the exact tale you describe, except that a woman was the one to climb the outside of the balloon to allow them to descend. It was terrifying...
Looking forward to it!
Spectacular!