Science With Swope: What Was That Balloon Over Oklahoma City?

News 9's Lacey Swope breaks down a mysterious sighting that was seen in the skies across central Oklahoma.

Friday, August 18th 2023, 10:18 am

By: Lacey Swope

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OKLAHOMA CITY -

News 9 has received several photos of a mysterious balloon that was seen across the sky throughout parts of central Oklahoma.

What is the balloon?

It’s called Project Loon 653, which is an Aerostar balloon that went up around 65,000 feet above surface level.

News 9 was told this was part of a U.S. military project, and Lacey Swope said it’s gathering near real-time satellite data.

Lacey said the balloon initially launched in South Dakota three days ago before making its way across Oklahoma.

Lacey Swope

Meteorologist Lacey Swope is an Okie through and through, having grown up in the small town of Kiefer. She joined the News 9 weather team in 2011, and you can catch her forecasts weekday mornings on News 9 This Morning and on News 9 at 9a. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Lacey wanted to become a meteorologist to study the atmosphere every day and share her passion for weather with others.