Two of the Viking Expedition boats participate in the launch of weather balloons. Weather balloons are launched worldwide twice a day at the same time (actually within the same hour). The Viking ships do not launch this frequently but do participate partly because they are often in remote locations. Data from these balloons is combined with satellite data to study atmospheric patterns and predict the weather.
Balloons are now made of biodegradable material in many countries and carry a very small payload that is capable of capturing quite an array of data types. The balloons rise for approximately two hours for approximately 18 expanding as the outside pressure decreases. Eventfully the balloons pop. These packages need not be recovered as in our case, but the devices in some cases do return to earth via parachute and some make a hobby of tracking and recovering the devices. You are allowed to keep them and there are evidently some applications for those who like to tinker.
We were able to watch as the data were being sent back during the ascent and the results were shared on a graph. Eventually, the data from all of the balloons are sent to the University of Wyoming where it is archived and shared for anyone interested to retrieve.
Data are displayed in our viewing area.
Why the University of Wyoming? I tried to find the answer and did discover a bit of the history of the involvement of this institution.
This map graphic shows active balloons and changes as the day progresses.
No comments:
Post a Comment