The University of York just sent a rubber duck to space

After a successful campaign on the university’s own crowdfunding site, the uni of York’s AstroSoc sent a rubber duck to the edge of space on a weather balloon. As well a fun experiment in pushing bath toys to the limit, the stunt was designed to increase interest in astronomy during Science Week.

Christened AstroDuck, the GoPro-equipped quacker took off from the University’s Heslington East campus on Saturday after weather conditions proved favourable.

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Sadly, though, after successfully reaching the edge of space, AstroDuck’s locators failed on the way back to earth and he’s now missing on the North York moors. There’s a £200 reward if you find him.

Having gone to the University of York myself, I know how much the campus ducks mean to the students (one time, a goose stole my ice cream and I didn’t even mind). Here’s hoping for AstroDuck’s safe return – you can follow him on Twitter for updates.

Holly Brockwell