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At Commonwealth Games, the World's Largest Aerostat

Posted by timothy on from the more-interesting-than-the-sports dept.

GillBates0 writes "Last weekend saw the world's largest aerostat of its kind featured at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The helium balloon or aerostat measures 40x80x12 meters, contains 20,000 cubic meters of helium and features lights, mirrors, cameras, a 360 degree projection screen, projectors and a reflective underbelly. During the show, it was raised 25 meters off the ground and transformed into a giant Bodhi Tree and a meditating Buddha, with giant puppets to complement the cultural performances beneath. These slideshows tell the story."

5 of 76 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It's a balloon by pegasustonans · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It's a big balloon.

    Although it seems jaded, I have to say I agree.

    The photographs clearly illustrate a large decorative balloon.

    There's nothing wrong with that, but it's not exactly earth-shattering.

    --
    And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. --Will
  2. Re:Helium by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It's okay. The audience was able to help themselves to a lungful upon the end of the closing ceremonies.

    They were tweeting in real time.

  3. Re:Let me guess: by TheLink · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So why doesn't the US join in the games? They were a colony once right? ;)

    I find the Commonwealth Games rather amusing. After all how many countries would be able to pull the following off:

    1) Take over other countries (often via military force)
    2) Extract resources from those countries.
    3) Get kicked out by those other countries.
    4) Organize an event to celebrate the Commonwealth :).

    FWIW, I think the reason why the Brits can pull it off is in many cases they were actually better to/for the local population and country than the local rulers were...

    The other reason is you probably have to a Brit to be able to actually think this is such a great idea :).

    Imagine the Belgians or Dutch trying to hold their own Commonwealth Games. How many would want to show up?

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  4. Re:Helium by flyingfsck · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It is only the US that is running out. The rest of world doesn't have a problem.

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  5. Re:Let me guess: by TheRaven64 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Does anyone actually say 'mozzies' and expect to be taken seriously?

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    I am TheRaven on Soylent News