The meteorology/astronomy class launched solar balloons on October 18, 2011, to test their theories about solar heating and albedo of common objects.  Previous classes were able to launch their balloons,but this class set a new record of 120 meters or 400 feet by the girl team.  The guys team got their balloon launched first but only to half the height of the girls team.  The balloons were filled by air captured outside and heated by the sun.  The heated air makes the balloons rise.  Watch the linked video to see the solar balloons in action!  Solar Bag