Think of it as a combination optics experiment and fundraiser. The students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched this crystal ball to the stratosphere, and they're selling it to help pay their helium bill. The crystal orb traveled onboard a giant helium balloon 98,000 feet above Earth’s surface, stretching and inverting the Sierra Nevada mountains behind it.
 
This 800-gram crystal ball contains a model of the Solar System, including the sun, eight planets, and their moons. An accompanying LED stand produces a soothing glow for your bedside table. You can select from four colors--soft white, red, green or blue.

After the balloon exploded (as planned) the crystal ball parachuted back to Earth, landing near the Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park.  It makes an incredible gift for anyone interested in space.
 
The gift-boxed crystal ball comes with a full-color gift card showing the night light floating at the top of Earth’s atmosphere. The interior of the card tells the story of the flight and confirms that this item has been to the edge of space and back again.