From Ronald MacDonald to Olaf, and Snoopy to Baby Yoda, there’s no more iconic way to celebrate Thanksgiving than watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon lineup.
If you want a peek behind the scenes, you can even watch as the balloons are inflated on Thanksgiving Day eve!
But have you ever wondered what makes those gigantic balloons float?
There is more science behind helium for balloons than you might think. Keep reading to learn about the types of balloon gas and more so you can understand how your favorite parade balloons stay aloft.
Types of Balloon Gas
Helium isn’t the only gas that you can use to fill balloons. Hydrogen also works in some cases.
Both helium and hydrogen are lighter than air. That means that when you fill a container with them (like a balloon), they rise. That’s why they are used in balloons as well as other applications.
Does Hydrogen Work for Parade Balloons?
Hydrogen is lighter than air, so it could hold up a parade balloon. However, it’s highly flammable. It can combust when exposed to high temperatures.
This makes it useful for industrial applications and some hot air balloons. However, hydrogen isn’t a good choice for parade balloons — nobody wants to see their favorite cartoon character explode on Thanksgiving Day!
Does Helium Work for Parade Balloons?
Helium gas is one of the noble gases. This means it’s stable, or nonreactive. It won’t react to extremes in temperature, and it doesn’t burn when exposed to fire.
This makes it the perfect gas for parade balloons. No matter what happens to the balloon, helium gas won’t cause a dangerous reaction like catching fire or exploding. This makes it safe enough for commercial uses like parades.
That’s why parade balloons use helium to stay aloft. It’s not just lighter than air, but safe enough to use.
Balloon Helium Science
Keeping parade balloons filled with helium is no easy feat. Each Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon is the size of a building.
Helium is lighter than air, but it can also lift additional weight. One cubic foot of helium can lift about one-third of a pound, and each parade balloon can weigh up to 400 pounds. Fortunately, each parade balloon contains about 12,000 cubic feet of helium, keeping the balloons afloat.
Gas expands when exposed to heat and contracts in the cold. The cold air of Thanksgiving Day mornings usually causes the balloon gas to contract slightly, giving the balloons a deflated look. To fix this, parade organizers make sure the balloons stay on the sunny side of the street, letting the warmth from the sun plump up the balloons.
Where to Get the Helium for Parade Balloons
There’s more science behind the spectacular balloons you see at parades than you might have expected. With this article, you can understand how helium parade balloons work!
It’s not always easy to find the best balloon helium, especially when helium resources are scarce. An industrial gas supplier with their own wells and fill plants might be the way to go to ensure your helium supply.