this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2026
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[–] JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 13 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

The problem is that helium is notoriously hard to contain. It's transported and stored super-cooled, but it still gases off, and to release pressure they just have to release it into the atmosphere. It effectively has a shelf life and so it has to be constantly replenished.

[–] 5too@lemmy.world 1 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

What is it that keeps the underground pockets of helium in place, anyway? Just craptons of stone?

[–] JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 hours ago

I'm not sure actually. I know it's usually found with methane and in massive quantities. Maybe just sealed in by rock and time?