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Preparing the weather balloon for launch... |
The balloon is filled with hydrogen--no smoking! |
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As the weather balloon rises, the radiosonde transmits observations of temperature and humidity. By tracking the balloon, wind direction and speed is determined. |
These observations are sent to a computer at the NWSFO. |
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After notifying Dulles Airport officials... |
...the balloon is released! |
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Up, up, and away! |
The computer receives and graphically displays the sounding data from the balloon (temperature curve appears on the right; humidity curve on the left). |