Homemade Weather Stations
Meteorologists use sophisticated instruments to measure the environment and predict the weather. A well-equipped weather station includes tools that determine air temperature, wind direction and speed, barometric pressure, humidity and rainfall amounts. Do-it-yourself forecasters can learn about weather measurement by crafting simple weather gadgets from common, inexpensive materials. Homemade weather stations are fun and educational classroom and family projects.
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History
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According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, weather prediction began in 650 B.C., when the Babylonians used clouds and other phenomenon to foresee weather changes. Encyclopedia Britannica points out that even cave dwellers utilized the basic methods of weather forecasting: observation and insight.
The first design for a hygrometer, a tool for measuring humidity changes in the atmosphere, was described by German scientist Nichols Cusa in the mid-1400s. The thermometer was invented around 1592 by Italian Galileo Galilei, and the barometer, an instrument to discern air pressure, was developed in 1643 by Italian Evangelista Torricelli. The science of weather measurement expanded throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Weather stations began to appear worldwide by the 1860s.
Benefits
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One reason for the popularity of home weather station is the intrinsic value of invention. It is rewarding to construct working weather instruments from everyday materials. Even the home weather watcher who purchases premade gadgets gains knowledge about how they work and how the collected data are interpreted to predict weather patterns.
Another reason that homemade weather stations are popular lies in their suitability as group teamwork projects. Families and classrooms can participate in an experience they have developed together.
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Features
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Many amateur weather forecasters set up home stations on their outdoor patios or decks. A homemade weather station may include a homemade or store-bought outdoor thermometer, anemometer (to measure wind speed), weather vane or weather sock (to determine wind direction), barometer, hygrometer and rain gauge. Some homemade instruments are not quite as accurate as purchased versions.
Overall, homemade weather stations are fairly reliable. However, the best weather stations are only as good as the person using them. The weather forecaster must record and interpret the data gathered from the instrumentation.
Considerations
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Location is an important consideration for homemade weather stations. Ideally, they are placed in an open, uncovered area that is away from direct sunlight. Some instruments may require staking in the ground or mounting on a vertical surface. Others require protective housing from the elements. A weather station is intended to remain stationary.
Monitoring is critical to accurate weather forecasting. Therefore, access is another important consideration. Younger children should work under the close supervision of adults in making homemade weather instruments.
Long-Range Forecasting
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Documentation is an important component in weather forecasting. Professional weather watchers examine daily weather statistics to generalize likely outlooks for the long term. Experienced forecasters have learned to study recent and past weather data very carefully and are more likely to notice predictable weather patterns as they emerge.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Olivier
