Weather+Balloons+Cody+Spilker+(AKA+Tyler+Fries)

Every 12 hours, a weather balloon is launched at each of 70 sites around the US. These balloons help make weather programs more accurate across the country. Scientists have been using weather balloons since World War II. Weather balloons are being launched all around the world. There are over 700 launching sites around the world. The information gathered from these weather balloons is sent to a computer in Maryland. From there, the data is sent to weather stations and newspapers.

The balloons are made of rubber and are inflated with either helium or hydrogen to a diameter of about 2 m. An instrument package is attached to each balloon by a cord. While in the air, devices in the box record and transmit temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Wind velocity is determined by tracking the balloon by radar or by one of the radio location systems.

1. Weather balloons give a more accurate reading because they are actually there recording the data. Also, satellites are more expensive than weather balloons.

2. The scientists must understand the gas laws to make sure the balloons doesn't rise to high and burst. They must also know how far and at what altitude the balloon will be traveling at.