Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 459
Distraction; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related
In cruise; level at FL 380; we saw a weather balloon about half the size of a 737 with a long cable attached and a large object connected to the end of the cable; too close for evasive action. Object passed approximately 100' to 200' above the cockpit. ATC was quickly advised and other aircraft reported seeing the object. No locator device on an object that large? ATC had no clue it was in their airspace.
Air carrier Captain reported NMAC at altitude with a weather balloon.