Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1916 — GREATEST BALLOON ALTITUDE [ARTICLE]

GREATEST BALLOON ALTITUDE

Italian Air, Craft Went 104,082 Feet Above Actual Ground. According to the geographical institute at Pavia, Italy, the highest altitude so far reached by any balloon was 105,000 feet, or slightly over 18 miles above sea level; and 104,082 feet above actual ground. The balloon was of rubber and was filled with hydrogen gas. The actual distance traversed measured 1 16,m14 feet. At a height bi' 59,1*96 feet the • temperature fell to minus 43 degrees and maintained lint figure all the balance of the way tip, with only slight variation. The aviator, Giacconto Piccolo, vas compelled to utilize his oxygen inhalator utter he reached the height of two miles, and reached groupd in a collapsed condition nevertheless. * , Prof. Pericles Gambia, in the AnUali di. I T fficiO, states th a t the bene-, ‘its to science from that ascent were incalculable, as it proved mainly two things: That the assumption of a 1 5-mile atmosphere above the ground is erroneous, and that the theory of ether outside of that limit is not admissible, "if it does not altogether do away with the etliqr theory at any height.” The word “ether” has been formed to express the medium for light beyond the assumed atmosphere. This ascent establish es beyond peradventure j hat the medium is uniform after,; the height of about 50,000 feet , was reached. If the atmospheric consistency remains the same 55,000 feet after that altitude, the assumption is that it will remain the same further up reaches the dignity of a presumption.” < The Annali suggests that the data furnished by this ascent must, Imperatively, be substantiated by further ascents before definite conclusions should be drawn from this one alone.—St. Louis Post-Dispatch.