Study: On the Migration of Mylar Balloons

Short term study on the autonomous migrations of partially deflated mylar “party” balloons in a closed environment (deconsecrated Catholic high school St. Abigail of the Valley, Ohio, Wyoming)
Subjects: 22 balloons of varying shapes (Spider-Man, “Get Well,” “Nailed It!,” etc.) and levels of leakage, each knotted with curling ribbon between five and nine feet in length
Period: 24 weeks
Method: 72 cameras, night vision employed as needed

The balloons often ascended to upper floors on hot afternoons, and reversed course on colder nights. Multiple instances of gathering behavior was observed, with three or more balloons accumulating in corners or supply closets. Herds of a dozen or more drifted along hallways in three separate instances.

All balloons remained active until 82% deflated. Most were deflated to the point of immobility in 87 days. The Shrek balloon remained active until the 149th day, possibly owing to its unique shape.

Techs assigned to re-enter premises to collect balloons and camera equipment reported nausea, paranoid thoughts, nervous laughter.