We Sent Garlic Bread to the Edge of Space, Then Ate It
A team launched garlic bread to the edge of space using a weather balloon. They clarified that "edge of space" is a marketing term, as true space starts at 100 kilometers up, and balloons only reach about a third of that height. The garlic bread, half of which was sent up and half kept on Earth for comparison, experienced freezing temperatures and near-vacuum conditions. After the balloon popped, the equipment parachuted down, and the team successfully recovered it using GPS trackers. They then compared the "space garlic bread" to the one that stayed on Earth, noting differences in texture and temperature.
Key Vocabulary
A long, narrow loaf of French bread, typically characterized by its crisp crust and soft interior.
Examples:
- She bought a fresh baguette from the bakery to go with her soup.
- The chef sliced the baguette diagonally for the bruschetta appetizer.
- He enjoyed tearing off pieces of the warm baguette and dipping them in olive oil.
A motor that can turn to a precise position, often used in robotics or remote-controlled devices for controlled movement.
Examples:
- The robot arm uses multiple servos to achieve its complex movements.
- He adjusted the servo settings to fine-tune the drone's propeller angles.
- A small servo controls the opening and closing mechanism of the automated gate.
Remarkable or spectacular feats, often performed to gain attention or publicity.
Examples:
- The marketing team planned a series of daring stunts to promote the new energy drink.
- His career as a daredevil was built on performing increasingly dangerous stunts.
- The magician was known for his elaborate illusions and gravity-defying stunts.
Made at home rather than in a factory or store; typically implying a personal or traditional quality.
Examples:
- Her grandmother's homemade apple pie was always a favorite at family gatherings.
- He preferred homemade pasta to the store-bought variety for its superior texture.
- The cafe prides itself on serving homemade lemonade and pastries.
A type of photographic lens that takes in an extremely wide, hemispherical image, resulting in a distorted, panoramic effect.
Examples:
- The skateboarder used a fisheye lens to capture the entire skate park in one shot.
- The security camera had a fisheye lens, allowing it to monitor a broad area.
- The artist experimented with a fisheye perspective in her painting to create a sense of immersion.
A layer of the earth's atmosphere extending from about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above the earth's surface, where the temperature generally increases with altitude.
Examples:
- Weather balloons often ascend into the stratosphere to collect atmospheric data.
- Certain high-flying aircraft are designed to operate efficiently within the stratosphere.
- Scientists study ozone depletion in the stratosphere, as it protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation.
The total weight of the cargo, passengers, or equipment carried by an aircraft, rocket, or vehicle.
Examples:
- The rocket's payload included a satellite and several scientific instruments.
- The drone was designed to carry a significant payload for delivery services.
- Engineers calculated the maximum payload capacity of the new transport plane.
The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.
Examples:
- The pilot maintained a steady altitude of 10,000 feet during the flight.
- Mountain climbers must acclimate to high altitudes to avoid sickness.
- The balloon reached its maximum altitude before slowly beginning its descent.
To come near or nearer to something in space, time, or quality.
Examples:
- As the storm began to approach, the sky darkened ominously.
- The train slowed down as it started to approach the station.
- We could hear the distant sound of thunder as the weather front began to approach.
Tangible things that can be seen and touched.
Examples:
- The museum displayed a collection of ancient artifacts and everyday objects.
- He carefully arranged the various objects on his desk.
- The artist created a sculpture using discarded metal objects.
Covered with or consisting of ice; very cold.
Examples:
- The roads were treacherous due to the icy conditions after the freezing rain.
- She shivered as a blast of icy wind swept through the valley.
- The drink had an icy, refreshing quality on a hot day.
The attention or notice given to someone or something by the media.
Examples:
- The new movie generated a lot of publicity before its release.
- She hired a publicist to handle all the publicity for her upcoming book tour.
- The company hoped the charity event would garner positive publicity.
The action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.
Examples:
- The company launched a new marketing campaign to reach a younger demographic.
- Effective marketing is essential for a product to succeed in a competitive market.
- She studied marketing in college, focusing on digital strategies.
Used to introduce a subordinate clause, often indicating a result, reason, or specification.
Examples:
- The news was so shocking that she couldn't speak.
- He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.
- The problem was so complex that it required a team of experts to solve.
Missiles, spacecraft, or other vehicles that obtain thrust by the expulsion of hot gases from a nozzle.
Examples:
- The space agency launched a series of rockets to deliver supplies to the international space station.
- The fireworks display featured colorful rockets exploding in the night sky.
- Engineers are developing more efficient rockets for future space exploration missions.
A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved surfaces for concentrating or dispersing light rays, used in optical instruments.
Examples:
- He carefully cleaned the camera lens before taking the photograph.
- The telescope's powerful lens allowed them to see distant galaxies.
- She chose glasses with anti-glare lenses for her computer work.
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Examples:
- The judge's decision seemed arbitrary, with no clear legal basis.
- They made an arbitrary choice of color for the new logo, without consulting the team.
- The dividing line between the two regions was completely arbitrary, following no natural boundary.
To make a sudden, sharp, explosive sound.
Examples:
- The balloon will eventually pop if it is overinflated.
- A loud pop startled everyone in the quiet room.
- The cork will pop when you open the bottle of champagne.
To consider or regard in a specified way; to think or suppose.
Examples:
- I reckon it will rain later this afternoon, so we should bring an umbrella.
- Do you reckon we have enough time to finish this project today?
- He didn't reckon on such strong opposition to his proposal.
Levels of quality or attainment, or rules or principles used as a basis for judgment.
Examples:
- The company maintains high standards of customer service.
- The new building project must meet strict safety standards.
- She always strives to exceed the industry standards in her work.