Since I've been on a run of weather topics lately, it reminded me of an experience I had with the radiosonde balloon.
Weather stations have been situated across Canada for many years. Part of the weather stations tools is a radiosonde balloon. This balloon is equipped with devices that measure things like temperature, wind, air pressure, humidity and more. The radio in this balloon sends the information back to the ground where is is recorded and combined with all other weather information used to make weather forecasts.
The balloon is prepared for it's flight by being filled with hydrogen or some other gas. When the equipment is ready the balloon is released. All the balloons across Canada were released at the same time. Depending on conditions , it may rise about 20 km (12.5 mi). . Depending on wind it may travel many miles horizontally. Eventually the balloon will burst and the flight is over. Some balloons have a parachute .Yes, people sometimes find the remains of these balloons.
There was a weather station at one of the places I lived in the Arctic. In one of the science classes I taught , there was a unit on weather. I always took the kids out to the radiosonde station to see a balloon prepared and released. It was always a popular field trip.
My field trips to the radiosonde station took place in the early 60's. When I did some research for this post I was surprised to find out that the radiosonde technology is still in use with a few more things added to measure. I thought that satellite technology would have made the radiosonde obsolete.
Apparently not.
ReplyDeleteI've seen these on TV, and weather news. You have the best field trips!
ReplyDeleteYes, but we didn't have buses or many cars so transportation was a challenge.
DeleteThat's interesting, Red. You explained it well and I was also surprised to read that it is still in use. We are like your class and you are taking us on another field trip!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly help me to go back to those memories.
DeleteSo when the balloon bursts, are all the devices lost, or are they retrieved? I've heard of weather balloons but I don't think I've ever actually seen one.
ReplyDeleteAt one time they were one time uses. Now some have a parachute attached to come back.
DeleteI have a very dim recollection of finding a spent one somewhere or other.
ReplyDeleteYes they are found usually in the vicinity of a radiosonde station.
DeleteEverything old is not always obsolete. Good!
ReplyDeleteCertainly some technical improvement have been made .
DeleteThat is so interesting. I hadn't ever heard of radiosonde before. I'm wondering how long it takes the balloon to get to where it will burst. How long does it transmit weather data? I love learning something new, Red. Thank you for this! (NewRobin13)
ReplyDeleteAll of this is variable. Air pressure and wind is an influence. Sometimes the flights are short and other longer.
DeleteInteresting . . . I didn't even know there was weather that high up!
ReplyDeleteMost times they do not go nearly that high. There's weather acativity but not much.
DeleteHow interesting. I would have thought it obsolete as well! That's neat to know. I hope that there are still teachers taking their classes on field trips to see the balloons released!
ReplyDeleteThe community I was in had a radiosonde station but there aren't that many stations across Canada.
DeleteThis is all new to me, very interesting info.
ReplyDeleteI would think that very few people would know about this procedure.
DeleteInteresting! I bet you were such a good teacher!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of these. So, I'm suspecting it's all of those Canadian balloons going up that are attracting the UFOs to come visit! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Red. Like you, I would have thought technology would have advanced to allow the measurements in some other way than sending up the balloon.
ReplyDeleteGreat memories! My hubby is always interested in the weather.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day and have a happy weekend ahead.
I enjoyed this Red. Nice to know there are still some things around that haven't been totally taken over by today's technology.
ReplyDeleteThis was very interesting. I've heard of weather balloons but I didn't know they were still in use.
ReplyDelete