All the Physics You Need for a Spy Balloon

Photo: Rhett Allain. This is not a Chinese spy balloon, but my dog still wants to destroy it.

Sometimes news items have some physics connections. That’s when you need someone to do some stuff. I’m that someone. In this case, it’s a large Chinese “spy” balloon floating over the USA.

Chinese Spy Balloon or 'Civilian Device'?

I’m not judging anyone. Maybe it’s a spy balloon or maybe it’s someone’s science fair project that got out of control (that would be super impressive — first place price for sure). However, this is just a great opportunity for some physics. Let’s get to it (before someone shoots it down and I lose this tiny window of opportunity).

Wait. I’m too late. They shot it down. I need to be faster in the future.

Biden: 'We're gonna take care' of spy balloon | CNN Politics

Well, maybe there will be another spy balloon in the future. I’ll keep writing this and then I will be ready.

How do balloon’s fly?