For the past week or so some scientists from NASA and NOAA have been guests in our lab and on or roof. They are measuring a chemical called bromine oxide (BrO), but as an important part of the project they must also know ozone (O3). Ozone is an important part of our atmosphere and shields us from solar radiation that would otherwise kill all life on the surface of Earth. It is also a very important component in other chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere. Ozone is present in very high levels in the stratosphere, which is typically about 5-8 miles above the surface. This height varies with latitude and with the weather: it is very low in the cold polar regions and much higher in the warm tropics.
Most of the scientists here are using optical methods to determine the amount of ozone. To verify and check these methods with a physical measurement, an "ozonesonde" (oh-zone-sahn-d) is used. It is just like a standard weather balloon but it is outfitted with a special ozone measuring instrument.
The ozonesonde getting ready for launch. It gets hooked up and pumped with a little bit of ozone to be sure that it measures correctly.
The gold packages contain radiosondes which measure temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity. All of these variables change dramatically with height in the atmosphere. Before the sonde is launched battery power must be checked and good radio communication established.
Just before launch.
Up and away! The sondes are taped with a notice that says "NOT DANGEROUS!" and offers a reward if you send it back. The NOAA guy running all this says they get about 50% of them back in Colorado. He isn't expecting to get any of these ones back. They are landing about a hundred miles to the northeast of Fairbanks.
Some nice cirrus clouds today.
This antenna receives the signal from the package on the balloon and sends it to a computer inside.
I am very happy to see some clouds again!! It is much colder at high levels in the atmosphere than it is near the ground. The cold cold temperatures of the winter here inhibit cloud formation. Clouds like these show warmer, moist air coming in and are a sign of spring!
