FAA ‘aware’ of balloon traveling over Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The FAA said it was aware of a balloon traveling across the western U.S., including over Las Vegas, which sparked curiosity on the ground.

Several people called 8 News Now on Monday morning to report seeing the balloon, prompting the National Weather Service to report it as its own.

Later Monday, the office pulled back on its initial statements, saying the balloon was not theirs. National Weather Service offices across the country release weather balloons twice a day.

“The FAA is aware of a balloon traveling across multiple states including Nevada and its operators are coordinating with the FAA,” a department spokesperson said. “The balloon is expected to operate for the next 30-60 days.”

8 News Now’s Denver sister station, KDVR, reported the balloon, which was spotted in Colorado on Friday, was carrying a payload for NASA and traveling well above the altitude for commercial aviation.

Weather and other balloons are more common than we think — we often do not see them due to their altitude.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.