21.   No one seemed to know what the balloons were for.

22.   On the ceilings, there were helium balloons.

23.   OK, so there are no balloons floating about this train car headed to Santa Barbara and not much food and drink, but the atmosphere -- pure party.

24.   Other studies will track meteorological data, particularly information on thunder and lightning because the balloon is likely to fly over the top of thunderstorms.

25.   Since they have no power of their own, balloons are at the mercy of whatever winds they encounter.

26.   The balloon is a composite type that will use both hot air and helium for lift.

27.   The balloon will be tough to miss.

28.   The balloons are gone, the bunting taken down, the speeches delivered.

29.   The balloons are meant to be a cheaper way to get such instruments to the edge of space.

30.   The balloon is what is called a super-pressure type, designed to stay at a constant altitude without the need to drop ballast regularly.