Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
Science Daily:
Quote:
Helium Supplies Endangered, Threatening Science And Technology
ScienceDaily (Jan. 5, 2008) — In America, helium is running out of gas.
The element that lifts things like balloons, spirits and voice ranges is being depleted so rapidly in the world's largest reserve, outside of Amarillo, Texas, that supplies are expected to be depleted there within the next eight years.
This deflates more than the Goodyear blimp and party favors. Its larger impact is on science and technology, according to Lee Sobotka, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.
"Helium's use in science is extremely broad, but its most important use is as a coolant," said Sobotka, a specialist in nuclear chemistry and physics who collaborates with researchers at several national laboratories.
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Re: Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
I wonder how much helium they used in the recent production of The Chipmunks. Wasteful.
Re: Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
Very interesting, I never knew about this, thanks for the post........
Re: Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
I would start buying some stock in helium!
Re: Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
Oh, they are just full of hot air!!!!!
Re: Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
We're going to have to get it from the Moon I suppose.
Russians are already planning to do this.
Tom
Re: Forget the Oil Crisis, We're Almost Out of Helium!
I heard about this in connection with the Thanksgiving Parade. In '07, they were experimenting with trying to reclaim helium from the balloons instead of just venting it into the atmosphere.
