A newly formed student group at Northern Illinois University, Proxima Centauri Alpha has achieved something extraordinary: sending a weather balloon nearly 140,000 feet into the stratosphere and returning with stunning images of Earth from the edge of space.
The launch took place May 3 from Huskie Stadium, drawing onlookers from across campus, DeKalb, and surrounding communities. As the balloon climbed, it captured sweeping views of Northern Illinois, including a striking shot of Lake Michigan. One of the mission’s most memorable images came at the peak altitude, when the balloon burst in the thin atmosphere—a rare, high-resolution glimpse of a dramatic moment few ever see.
More than 70 gigabytes of data and video footage were collected, which are now being compiled into a professional presentation for release by the end of summer. High-altitude balloon launches at this level are extremely rare in Illinois, and many university attempts around the country fail due to equipment malfunctions or payload loss. The success of this mission demonstrated not only technical skill but also the persistence and careful planning of the students who led it.
The balloon carried a range of instruments, including a Geiger counter for measuring radiation, GPS tracking equipment to meet federal aviation requirements, and a high-definition camera to document the entire journey. During its ascent, the balloon expanded to nearly 20 feet in diameter—roughly the size of a four-door sedan—before bursting, with the payload landing safely a few miles from the launch site.
The project also included a community engagement component. Students across NIU were invited to submit lightweight personal items to be attached to the balloon, with one entry selected for launch and its owner awarded a $100 prize.
Founded only this semester, the group behind the launch—Proxima Centauri Alpha—has already grown to 16 members. The organization welcomes STEM students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or demonstrate strong merit through coursework or extracurricular achievements. Its mission is to promote academic excellence, provide meaningful research experiences, and give students opportunities to lead ambitious projects that extend far beyond the classroom.
Looking ahead, the group plans to present its complete findings in fall 2025, with an emphasis on highlighting the strengths of NIU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, particularly the departments of Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science. The team hopes its work will inspire current students and attract future ones to pursue STEM at NIU.
For Proxima Centauri Alpha, the launch was not just a successful experiment but a defining moment. It proved that a small, motivated team could push the boundaries of exploration, bring national attention to NIU, and open new possibilities for student-led scientific research. Judging from the view from 140,000 feet, this is only the beginning.