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Numbers in the News: Helium
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is famous for its massive balloons filled with helium (He) gas. Check out some facts and figures about this element.
GOTHAM/GC IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
300,000 TO 700,000 CUBIC FEET
The estimated amount of helium used to fill all the balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
2
The atomic number—or number of protons in an atom—of helium. It’s the second-lightest element on the periodic table, after hydrogen (H).
0.0005%
The percentage of Earth’s atmosphere that is made up of helium. The helium we use is mined from Earth’s crust.
25%
The percentage of the observable universe that is made up of helium.
1868
The year scientists discovered helium by studying the makeup of the sun. The new element was named after Helios, the Greek god of the sun.
TAKE IT FURTHER: Helium is used in blimps, airbags, computer chip manufacturing, and rocket launches. Select one of these items or processes and research how helium helps it work.
SOURCES: STATISTA, OXFORD ECONOMICS, YOUTUBE, GWI MARKET RESEARCH