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Photos from the edge of space with school pupils' balloon

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Pupils at Penair school with their balloon
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A group of budding astronomers have sent a balloon into space with some amazing photographic results!

Pupils at Penair school
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The team from Penair School in Truro, Cornwall achieved the feat with a polystyrene box, a tiny camera, and a few hand warmers to keep it working.

Balloon after lift-off
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The balloon was filled with helium and the pupils had to get permission from the Civil Aviation Authority before they could release it in case it ran into any planes.

Snaps from the balloon
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The balloon and camera box were fitted with a tracking system so the team could keep an eye on where it was going.

Snaps from the balloon
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The camera attached to the balloon was set to take a photo every five seconds. The results were stunning.

Snaps from the balloon
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It travelled way up into the stratosphere, 36 kilometres above the surface of Earth.

Snaps from the balloon
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The special tracking device meant the pupils could find the balloon when it landed and they were very excited to discover all of their brilliant photos!