Meteorological balloon or probe: what is it, what is it for and how it works

A weather balloon, also called weather probe, is a tool that is used to study the atmosphere. Basically, it consists of a large balloon, normally made of latex or synthetic rubber, which inflates with helium or hydrogen to make it ascend to large heights.

In the lower part of the globe a radiosonda is placed, which is a small device equipped with sensors capable of measuring different air variables, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and, in many cases, wind speed and direction. All this information is transmitted in real time to stations on land, which allows meteorologists to analyze how atmospheric conditions change as it rises in altitude.

A meteorological balloon serves, mainly, to obtain data from the atmosphere that are essential for meteorology and scientific research. Its function is to collect real -time information from different levels of the atmosphere, something that cannot only be achieved with earth or satellite stations.

Among its most important uses are:

• Improve time forecasts: the data it transmits allows meteorologists to know the evolution of storms, cold fronts, hurricanes or even anticipate extreme phenomena such as heat waves or strong rains.
• Study the atmosphere: by measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind at different heights, scientists can better understand how air masses behave and how they affect the climate.
• Aviation Safety: Information about wind and turbulence currents in different layers of the atmosphere is of great help to plan more safe and efficient flight routes.
• Scientific and environmental research: In addition to their use in meteorology, balloons are also used to study the ozone layer, air pollution and other aspects related to the environment.

The functioning of a meteorological balloon is quite simple in appearance, but very useful in practice.

1. Inflate and launch: the balloon, made of latex or synthetic rubber, is filled with a lighter gas than the air, generally helium or hydrogen. In this way you can rise and start your trip to the atmosphere.
2. Ascent: As the globe rises, the air becomes less dense and the pressure decreases. For that reason, the globe is gradually expanded until it reaches several meters in diameter. It can reach heights between 20 and 35 kilometers.
3. Data measurement: hanging from the globe a radiosonda travels, a small device with sensors that record the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and wind speed/direction. All these data are transmitted wirelessly to land stations.
4. Building and descent: when the globe reaches a height where it cannot continue expanding, it ends up exploding. At that time, the Radiosonda falls towards the surface, but does it in a controlled way thanks to a parachute that prevents damage to the equipment and reduces risks if it falls near people or constructions.

In some cases, if someone finds the Radiosonda, they can return it to be reused. Other times it is unused after the fall.

Among the main measurements of a weather balloon we have:

• Air temperature: It allows to know how heat changes at different heights, which is essential to detect cold fronts, stream currents or storm formation.
• Atmospheric pressure: helps identify the behavior of air masses and more accurate weather maps. Here you can learn more about what atmospheric pressure is and how it is measured.
• Relative humidity: indicates the amount of water vapor present in the air, a crucial fact to predict rains, fog or storms.
• Speed ​​and wind direction: They are obtained thanks to sensors and radar or GPS tracking. With this information you can study air currents, turbulence and trajectories of phenomena such as hurricanes.

Meteorological balloons are launched in an organized way worldwide, following schedules and strategic places so that the information obtained is as useful as possible.

They are usually launched from airports, military bases, meteorological observatories or research centers, because there are staff and equipment necessary to receive and process the data. Thanks to this global network, you can get a “map” of the atmosphere in different parts of the planet at the same time.

The World Meteorological Organization (OMM) establishes that throws twice a day, at the same time worldwide: at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. Thus, the information collected is comparable and synchronized, which improves the accuracy of climate prediction models.

When it explodes, the globe disappears, but the Radiosonda is still intact. To avoid a strong impact, it is equipped with a small parachute that slows its descent. Thanks to the parachute, the Radiosonda drops slowly and safely, minimizing risks if it lands near people, constructions or roads.

The Radiosonda can fall anywhere. They have found radiosanda in fields, mountains, seas or even cities. Many countries include in the Radiosonda a label with instructions so that, if someone finds it, they can return it to the weather service. Sometimes they are reused, although in many cases they remain as discarded material. The important thing is that, before exploiting, the globe has already fulfilled its mission of sending valuable information about the atmosphere.

If you want to read more articles similar to meteorological balloon or probe: what is it, what it is for and how it works, we recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.