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Silent3

(15,018 posts)
20. It's ironic (any annoying) that the second most abundant element...
Sun Sep 5, 2021, 06:46 PM
Sep 2021

...in the entire universe is a rare and precious commodity here.

There is some new helium produced here on earth, and it's where I believe most of the helium we already have now comes from -- radioactive decay. Alpha radiation specifically. Alpha particles are essentially helium atoms stripped of their electrons, electrons they'll readily pick up as soon as they get a chance.

Whatever the replacement rate is, I'd guess it's much lower than our current consumption rate.

Due to the helium shortage James48 Sep 2021 #1
Domestic consumption of helium is 40 million cubic feet per year. I don't think a single balloon Dial H For Hero Sep 2021 #3
They use hydrogen in an 18 million cubic foot balloon Klaralven Sep 2021 #17
I'm sure that would be incredible FoxNewsSucks Sep 2021 #2
Haleakala is on my bucket list! Certainly more affordable than space RestoreAmerica2020 Sep 2021 #9
One's not supposed to pop the champagne Backseat Driver Sep 2021 #4
No new helium. Once it's gone, it's gone until fusion comes along. rickyhall Sep 2021 #5
Where does it go? NT mahatmakanejeeves Sep 2021 #14
Space. When it escapes, gravity can't hold it. rickyhall Sep 2021 #15
Indeed it does. I did not know that. Thanks. mahatmakanejeeves Sep 2021 #16
It's ironic (any annoying) that the second most abundant element... Silent3 Sep 2021 #20
Where's the complaining that people shouldn't have this kind of money to spend? brooklynite Sep 2021 #6
I'm still wondering why the pilot will be "sipping cocktails." Treefrog Sep 2021 #7
The complainer about the complainers Mysterian Sep 2021 #11
The wealthy are SUCH victims dpibel Sep 2021 #12
I'm sure billionaires appreciate you looking out for their money tenderfoot Sep 2021 #13
not so much about the money RandomNumbers Sep 2021 #19
125k to join the 20-Mile-High Club. Fair enough. Buns_of_Fire Sep 2021 #8
Just wow! What an exciting excursion that would be. Great post. Thanks! RestoreAmerica2020 Sep 2021 #10
reminds me of this Kali Sep 2021 #18
Doing this with a ballon instead of a rocket should be tens to hundreds of times cheaper... Silent3 Sep 2021 #21
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