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Chinese balloon in high-res, from above, via a U2 pilot

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Deborah Byrd

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February 24, 2023

Chinese balloon: A round, white hot air balloon viewed from above with pilot's helmet and airplane wing visible. — View larger. | A U.S. Air Force pilot looked down at the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon as it hovered over the central continental U.S. on February 3, 2023. The Chinese balloon was shot down by the U.S. military the following day. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense/ 94th Airlift Wing.

Bottom line: A high-resolution view of the Chinese spy balloon, as seen out the window of a U.S. Air Force U-2 plane.

More images: US military retrieval of Chinese balloon

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February 24, 2023

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Human World

Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.