Last weekend, a Viljandi youth group launched a balloon to the stratosphere to conduct a popular science theater experiment "Elephant's Toothpaste."

The experiment was the first of its kind to be conducted in the stratosphere – 30 kilometers above ground – and will be nominated for the Guinness Book of Records.

The first attempt a month ago failed due to a faulty balloon, which burst at 20,000 meters.

The second balloon, launched from the Kikka golf course near Viljandi, succeeded in reaching and conducting the experiment at an altitude of around 30,000 meters.

This was the first time a popular science experiment was achieved in such great heights.

To receive official recognition, the StratosChem crew will forward videos and proof to a committee, which will take about four months to decide whether the experiment qualifies for the Guinness Book of Records.

The "Elephant's Toothpaste" experiment (video available http://tinyurl.com/nc4dwfu) is widely used in classrooms to teach children about chemical reactions.

Soap and rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide make a fountain of hot foam shoot from the flask.

VES / ERR News