Weather balloon

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"Sounding balloon" redirects here; not to be confused with observation balloon.This article is about atmospheric and meteorological sounding balloons. For balloon space probes, see List of Solar System probes.

A weather balloon in preparation for launch Transosonde.png
A weather balloon in preparation for launch
Picture taken at approximately 30 km above Oregon using a 1,500 gram weather balloon Picture taken at aprox. 100,000 feet above Oregon by Justin Hamel and Chris Thompson.jpg
Picture taken at approximately 30 km above Oregon using a 1,500 gram weather balloon
Rawinsonde weather balloon just after launch. Notice a parachute in the center of the string and a small instrument box at the end. After release it measures many parameters. These include temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and wind speed and wind direction. This information is transmitted back to surface observers. Nssl0020.jpg
Rawinsonde weather balloon just after launch. Notice a parachute in the center of the string and a small instrument box at the end. After release it measures many parameters. These include temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and wind speed and wind direction. This information is transmitted back to surface observers.

A weather balloon, also known as a sounding balloon, is a high-altitude balloon (HAB) that carries instruments into the stratosphere for the retrieval of information on atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed by means of a small, expendable measuring device called a radiosonde. [1] The balloon itself is made of latex and filled with either helium or hydrogen to produce lift. [1] Balloons can be tracked by radar, RDF, or GPS. Balloons meant to stay at a constant altitude for long periods are known as transosondes. [2] Weather balloons that do not carry an instrument pack are used to determine upper-level winds and the height of cloud layers. For such balloons, a theodolite or total station is used to track the balloon's azimuth and elevation, which are then converted to estimated wind speed and direction and/or cloud height, as applicable. [2]

Contents

Weather balloons are launched around the world for observations used to diagnose current conditions as well as by human forecasters and computer models for weather forecasting. Between 900 and 1,300 locations around the globe do routine releases, typically two or four times daily. [3] [4] [5] [6]

The effectiveness of weather balloons is limited by their lack of coverage in some countries, as well as other atmospheric and instrumental factors. [7] [8] Environmental concerns have been raised over the frequent use of weather balloons, as the United States releases around 76,600 balloons annually. [9] Many of these balloons end up in the ocean, up to 300 balloons per week, polluting the water and endangering the surrounding marine life. [9]

History

One of the first people to use weather balloons was the French meteorologist Léon Teisserenc de Bort. Starting in 1896 he launched hundreds of weather balloons from his observatory in Trappes, France. These experiments led to his discovery of the tropopause and stratosphere. [10] These early weather balloons carried self-recording instruments that would be recovered upon landing, allowing researchers to atmospheric profiles from higher than ever before. [11]

During the early 20th century, weather balloons expanded to broader upper-atmosphere research, investigating ozone, cosmic rays, and stratospheric circulation. [12] Weather balloon observatories were established worldwide across Europe, North America, and Asia. The technology advanced even further in the 1920s through the invention of radiosondes, instruments which could relay real-time measurements of temperature, pressure, and humidity through radio signals. [11] This innovation allowed the establishment of coordinated global sounding networks that are essential to weather forecasting and climate research today. [11]

Transosondes, weather balloons with instrumentation meant to stay at a constant altitude for long periods of time to help diagnose radioactive debris from atomic fallout, were experimented with in 1958. [2] The drone technology boom has led to the development of weather drones since the late 1990s. [13] These drones offered the potential for precise, targeted measurements in areas and weather that would be impossible for balloons. [13] These may begin to replace balloons as a more specific means for carrying radiosondes. [14]

Materials and equipment

The balloon itself produces the lift, and is usually made of a highly flexible latex material, though chloroprene may also be used. [1] The unit that performs the actual measurements and radio transmissions hangs at the lower end of the string, and is called a radiosonde. [1] Specialized radiosondes are used for measuring particular parameters, such as determining the ozone concentration. [1]

To improve data quality, sensor exposure and airflow must be given special attention. Radiation shields are used to minimize overheating sensors. Recent research concludes that controlling the ascent and descent rates of the balloon can reduce wind related disturbances to sensors, providing more accurate measurements. To allow smoother descent, some balloons use dual-balloon configurations or valve-controlled balloons for better data collection on the way down. [11]

The balloon is usually filled with hydrogen, though helium – a more expensive, but viable option nonetheless – is also frequently used. The ascent rate can be controlled by the amount of gas with which the balloon is filled, usually at around 300 metres per minute (980 ft/min). [15] : 24–54  Weather balloons may reach altitudes of 40 km (25 mi) or more, limited by diminishing pressures causing the balloon to expand to such a degree (typically by a 100:1 factor) that it disintegrates. In this instance the instrument package is usually lost, [1] although a parachute may be employed to help in allowing retrieval of the instrument. Above that altitude sounding rockets are used to carry instruments aloft, and for even higher altitudes satellites are used.

Launch time, location, and uses

A hydrogen filled balloon at Cambridge Bay Upper Air station, Nunavut, Canada Hydrogen balloon at upper air.jpg
A hydrogen filled balloon at Cambridge Bay Upper Air station, Nunavut, Canada
Launch of wiki payload into stratosphere

Weather balloons are launched around the world for observations used to diagnose current conditions as well as by human forecasters and computer models for weather forecasting. Between 900 and 1,300 locations around the globe do routine releases, two or four times daily, usually at 0000 UTC and 1200 UTC. [3] [4] [5] [6] Some facilities will also do occasional supplementary special releases when meteorologists determine there is a need for additional data between the 12-hour routine launches in which time much can change in the atmosphere. Military and civilian government meteorological agencies such as the National Weather Service in the US typically launch balloons, and by international agreements, almost all the data are shared with all nations.

Weather balloons and satellites as complementary systems

Although satellites allow for global atmospheric coverage, their measurements have coarser resolution and can be affected by things like cloud cover, surface emissivity, and calibration drift. Weather balloons offer direct, in situ measurements of the temperature, pressure, and humidity in a region which helps identify errors in satellite retrievals and improve accuracy of data. For this reason, satellite measurements and weather balloon observations are often used side by side in modern climate monitoring systems. [7]

Aerospace and rocket launch support

Weather balloons are also used as atmospheric sounding systems to assist with rocket launches. [8] In a test performed by the Lukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Aviation a balloon sounding system was used to assist the ILR-33 Amber sub-orbital rocket. In a series of test launches in 2019, the system acquired atmospheric data such as information on vertical wind profile in real time that was used in pre-launch procedures for the rocket. [8]

Special uses

Specialized uses also exist, such as for aviation interests, pollution monitoring, photography or videography, and research. Examples include pilot balloons (Pibal). Field research programs often use mobile launchers from land vehicles as well as ships and aircraft (usually dropsondes in this case). In recent years, weather balloons have also been used for scattering human ashes at high altitudes. The weather balloon was also used to create the fictional entity 'Rover' during the production of the 1960s TV series The Prisoner in Portmeirion, Gwynedd, North Wales, UK in September 1966. This was retained in further scenes shot at MGM Borehamwood UK during 1966–67. [16] Weather balloons have also been adapted as drifting platforms in chemistry and air quality research. [17] Instead of ascending rapidly through the air, these systems are designed to drift with air masses, measuring trace gases, aerosols, and other chemical constituents in the lower troposphere. These balloons are useful in pollution research to examine transport, mixing, and chemical transformation of pollutants along moving air parcels. [17] High altitude weather balloons can be used as research platforms for near-space studies, reaching a height of approximately 25-30 km where environmental conditions including intense ultraviolet levels, low temperature and atmospheric pressure. [18] In a recent study, researchers launched a weather balloon carrying live microorganisms to investigate how exposure to these conditions affected cell survivability. These missions provide a cheaper alternative to orbital spaceflight experiments. [18]

Potential issues

Aviation

In 1970, an Antonov 24 operating Aeroflot Flight 1661 suffered a loss of control after striking a radiosonde in flight, resulting in the death of all 45 people on board.

On 16 October 2025, [19] a United Airlines flight collided with a weather balloon at cruising altitude over Utah, fracturing its windshield, releasing shards of glass into the cockpit [20] that injured the captain's right arm, and causing an emergency descent [21] and diversion. The NTSB has begun an investigation, and the company behind the weather balloon has taken measures to reduce future risk. [20]

There are also other ways in which weather balloons can pose a danger to aircraft, such as interfering with the pitot-static systems. [22]

Coverage and observational gaps

Regions such as Africa, South America, the Southern Ocean, and the Antarctic are particularly underrepresented for weather balloon observations. [7] This can lead to significant data gaps and skews in climate information, limiting understanding of the Southern Hemisphere's climate and atmospheric profile. [7] This imbalance in coverage can be attributed to the steep price of weather balloon launches, (costing around 500 USD per launch), limiting access to third-world countries and limiting numbers worldwide. [7]

Operational and instrumental constraints

Weather balloon performance is greatly influenced by lifting gas volume, payload mass, as well as weather conditions. [8] Where the balloon is launched and user experience can affect mission success as well, making it hard to get consistent results. [8] The completeness of upper-air observations is reliant on the maximum altitude the balloon reaches. [23] This means if a balloon bursts prematurely or insufficient ascent height is reached the upwards extent of temperature and humidity measurements will be limited, which is a big issue for climate networks like GRUAN that rely on this information. [23]

Environmental issues

While weather forecasting relies increasingly on satellites and radar technology, it still uses weather balloons. These devices, launched from thousands of stations worldwide, ascend into the atmosphere to collect meteorological data. The United States, for example, releases approximately 76,600 balloons annually (an average of around 210 per day), while Canada launches 22,000. [9]

Weather balloon bursting after reaching stratosphere, dispersing shards of latex debris across earth A weather balloon exploding, slow motion.gif
Weather balloon bursting after reaching stratosphere, dispersing shards of latex debris across earth

Weather balloons, after reaching an altitude of approximately 35 kilometers, burst, releasing their instruments and the latex material they are made of. While the instruments are often recovered, the latex remains in the environment, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Studies have shown that a substantial portion of weather balloons eventually end up in the ocean. For instance, one Australian researcher collected over 2,460 pieces of weather balloon debris from the Great Barrier Reef, estimating that up to 300 balloons per week may be released into the marine environment. This environmental impact underscores the need for sustainable alternatives in weather data collection. [9]

Scientists and environmentalists have raised concerns about weather balloons' environmental impact. The latex material, which can persist in the ocean for extended periods, can harm marine life, including sea turtles, birds, and fish. Efforts to minimize the environmental impact of weather balloons include developing biodegradable materials and improved recovery methods. However, the continued reliance on weather balloons for meteorological data challenges balancing the need for accurate weather forecasts with environmental sustainability. [9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dabberdt, W F; Shellhorn, R; Cole, H; Paukkunen, A; Horhammer, J; Antikainen, V (2003). "Radiosondes" (PDF). Elsevier Science Direct. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 July 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Staff (February 1958). "Chief Special Projects Section: Dr. Lester Machta" (PDF). United States Weather Bureau. pp. 39–41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  3. 1 2 "NWS factsheet". Archived from the original on 20 February 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Weather Facts: Radiosonde | weatheronline.co.uk". www.weatheronline.co.uk. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Observations - Data - Modelling". public.wmo.int. 1 December 2015. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  6. 1 2 WeatherSTEM. "Upper-Air Observations". WeatherSTEM. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Mashao, Frederick M.; Demoz, Belay; Kifle, Yehenew; Klopper, Danitza; Chikoore, Hector; Sakai, Ricardo K.; Ayisi, Kingsley K. (21 March 2024). "An Appraisal of the Progress in Utilizing Radiosondes and Satellites for Monitoring Upper Air Temperature Profiles". Atmosphere. 15 (3): 387. doi: 10.3390/atmos15030387 . ISSN   2073-4433.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Spiralski, Marcin; Bęben, Karol; Konior, Wojciech; Cieśliński, Dawid (1 March 2020). "High Altitude Ballooning as an Atmospheric Sounding System in the Pre-Flight Procedures of ILR-33 Amber". Transactions on Aerospace Research. 2020 (1): 66–77. doi: 10.2478/tar-2020-0005 . ISSN   2545-2835.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Beurteaux, Danielle (11 October 2024). "Weather Forecasting Is Deadly for Marine Wildlife". Hakai Magazine. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  10. ↑ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1922). "Teisserenc de Bort, Léon Philippe"  . Encyclopædia Britannica (12th ed.). London & New York: The Encyclopædia Britannica Company.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Kräuchi, Andreas; Philipona, Rolf; Romanens, Gonzague; Hurst, Dale F.; Hall, Emrys G.; Jordan, Allen F. (7 March 2016). "Controlled weather balloon ascents and descents for atmospheric research and climate monitoring". Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. 9 (3): 929–938. doi: 10.5194/amt-9-929-2016 . ISSN   1867-1381. PMC   5734649 .
  12. ↑ Nishimura, J. (January 2002). "Scientific ballooning in the 20th century; a historical perspective". Advances in Space Research. 30 (5): 1071–1085. doi:10.1016/s0273-1177(02)00517-3. ISSN   0273-1177.
  13. 1 2 Holland, G. J.; Webster, P. J.; Curry, J. A.; Tyrell, G.; Gauntlett, D.; Brett, G.; Becker, J.; Hoag, R.; Vaglienti, W. (1 May 2001). "The Aerosonde Robotic Aircraft: A New Paradigm for Environmental Observations". Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 82 (5): 889–902. Bibcode:2001BAMS...82..889H. doi: 10.1175/1520-0477(2001)082<0889:TARAAN>2.3.CO;2 . ISSN   0003-0007.
  14. ↑ "Drones May Replace Weather Balloons Soon". www.outlookindia.com/. 8 June 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
  15. ↑ "FAA-H-8083-28A, Aviation Weather Handbook". Federal Aviation Administration . Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  16. ↑ Paul-Davies, Steven (2002). The Prisoner Handbook. London: Pan Books. ISBN   978-0-230-53028-7.
  17. 1 2 Doerenbecher, A.; Basdevant, C.; Drobinski, P.; Durand, P.; Fesquet, C.; Bernard, F.; Cocquerez, P.; Verdier, N.; Vargas, A. (1 September 2016). "Low-Atmosphere Drifting Balloons: Platforms for Environment Monitoring and Forecast Improvement". Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 97 (9): 1583–1599. doi:10.1175/bams-d-14-00182.1. ISSN   0003-0007.
  18. 1 2 Klomchitcharoen, Sumeth; Wechakarn, Pongsakorn; Tangwattanasirikun, Tanchanok; Smerwong, Noparin; Netrapathompornkij, Phubase; Chatmeeboon, Thanapat; Nangsue, Norawit; Thitasirivit, Vivatsathorn; Kaweewongsunthorn, Krin; Piyanopharoj, Suvijak; Phumiprathet, Phachara; Wongsawat, Yodchanan (2024-03). "High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments". Heliyon. 10 (6): e27406. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27406. ISSN   2405-8440.{{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: article number as page number (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  19. ↑ "UA 1093". WindBorne. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  20. 1 2 "Weather Balloon Likely Hit United Plane's Windshield | Weather.com". weather.com. The Weather Channel. 22 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  21. ↑ "Pilot of United flight UA1093 injured after possible 'high altitude debris' damaged the windshield". AIRLIVE. 18 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  22. ↑ Lunnon, Bob (January 2015). "Aircraft encounters with weather balloons: risks and mitigations" (PDF). United Kingdom Flight Safety Committee. p. 13. Retrieved 23 October 2025. Radiosonde balloons, and other similar objects, pose a threat because of the risk of affecting the determination of airspeed using pitot systems on aircraft.
  23. 1 2 Fujiwara, Masatomo; Sun, Bomin; Reale, Anthony; Cimini, Domenico; Larosa, Salvatore; Borg, Lori; von Rohden, Christoph; Sommer, Michael; Dirksen, Ruud (3 February 2025). "Justification for high ascent attainment for balloon radiosonde soundings at GRUAN and other sites". doi.org. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
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