Rádiószondák

Rádiószondák, also known as radiosondes, are meteorological instruments carried aloft by weather balloons. Their primary purpose is to measure various atmospheric parameters and transmit this data back to ground stations in real-time. The data collected by radiosondes is crucial for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric research.

A typical radiosonde consists of a sensor package that measures temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Many also include a GPS receiver to determine wind speed and direction by tracking the balloon's movement. The sensors are housed in a lightweight casing, often made of styrofoam, to minimize weight and aerodynamic drag.

The radiosonde is attached to a helium or hydrogen-filled balloon, which ascends through the atmosphere. As the balloon rises, the pressure decreases, causing it to expand. The balloon typically reaches altitudes of 20 to 35 kilometers before bursting. At this point, the radiosonde detaches and falls back to Earth, often equipped with a small parachute to slow its descent.

The data transmitted by the radiosonde is received by ground stations, where it is processed and analyzed. This information is then fed into numerical weather prediction models, significantly improving the accuracy of forecasts. Radiosonde observations are made worldwide by meteorological services, providing a global network for atmospheric data collection. Despite the advent of other remote sensing technologies, radiosondes remain a fundamental tool for understanding the vertical structure of the atmosphere.