A group of LEGO fans, college professors, and students recently participated in H.A.L.E., the High Altitude LEGO Extravaganza. The goal? Launch a bunch of LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT systems with cameras covering the ascent to nearly 100,000 feet and subsequent descent (via parachute) back to Earth.

This amazing photo shows the weather balloon bursting at 99,712 feet:

You can see a whole bunch more photos and videos from Eric (Burdo?), as well as additional photos from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Via BB Gadgets, Gizmodo, and several posts on The NXT STEP.