Ilmakaapelit

Ilmakaapelit are a series of weather observation balloons used by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) to collect data on atmospheric conditions. The name "ilmakaapelit" literally translates to "air cables" in Finnish.

These balloons are typically made of polyurethane material and are designed to be environmentally friendly. They are filled with helium and have a volume of about six liters. The balloons are equipped with a transmitter that sends the collected data to the FMI's base station on the ground.

Ilmakaapelit are launched twice a day, at sunrise and sunset, from locations across Finland. They rise to an altitude of around 30 kilometers and remain aloft for about 24 hours. During their flight, the balloons collect data on temperature, humidity, wind direction, and other parameters.

The collected data are used to predict weather patterns, track atmospheric phenomena, and study atmospheric composition. The information gathered is also used to improve forecasting models and aid in the monitoring of air quality.

The FMI has been operating the ilmakaapelit program since 1995, and it is an essential part of their weather forecasting system. The program has undergone various upgrades over the years, including the introduction of new balloon designs and increased use of remote sensing technology.