Short Wave The world is running out of helium — again
46 snips
Apr 6, 2026 
Jeff Brumfield, a science correspondent who explains scientific history and applications, walks through helium’s discovery and why Earth’s supply is limited. He outlines where helium comes from and how it powers rockets, MRIs, and superconducting tech. He also covers recent supply disruptions and the debate over conserving this precious, finite resource.
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Earth Loses Helium To Space Over Time
- Helium created in Earth by radioactive decay escapes the atmosphere because it's light, so atmospheric helium gradually leaks into space.
- That makes terrestrial helium finite and trapped only where it accumulates in crustal pockets after filtering up from decay of uranium and thorium.
Dexter Kansas Helium Gusher Celebration
- A 1903 Kansas gas well in Dexter blew out 9 million cubic feet per day and townspeople celebrated thinking they'd hit natural gas.
- They tried to light the gusher with a bale of hay and the flame went out, revealing the well contained nonflammable helium instead of natural gas.
Helium's Military History With Zeppelins
- During World War I the U.S. controlled its helium supply to build nonflammable airships because German Zeppelins used flammable hydrogen to bomb London.
- The U.S. prepared helium cylinders in New Orleans in 1918 to ship to Europe, but the war ended before they were used.