Radiosondenflüge

Radiosondenflüge, also known as radiosonde ascents or weather balloon launches, are a fundamental method for collecting atmospheric data. These flights involve releasing a specialized instrument package called a radiosonde attached to a weather balloon, typically filled with hydrogen or helium. As the balloon ascends through the atmosphere, the radiosonde continuously measures and transmits key meteorological parameters. These measurements include temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction. The data is transmitted via radio signals to ground stations, where it is recorded and analyzed. Radiosondenflüge are conducted worldwide by meteorological services and research institutions, often twice daily at standardized times, to provide a global snapshot of atmospheric conditions. The data collected is crucial for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric research. The balloons ascend to altitudes of typically 20 to 30 kilometers, reaching the lower stratosphere, before eventually bursting due to the low atmospheric pressure at these heights. The radiosonde then falls back to Earth, often with a small parachute.