Radiosondes launched simultaneously from “Noosfera” and Vernadskyi for the first time

Meteorologists conducted a unique experiment — they launched radiosondes from the Akademik Vernadskyi station and the “Noosfera” vessel simultaneously.

For the first time in the entire history of Ukrainian research in Antarctica, simultaneous radiosonde of the atmosphere took place, the National Antarctic Research Center reports.

“We remind you that a radiosonde is a special device that rises in the air on a helium-filled balloon. It measures a number of parameters (temperature, humidity, etc.) along the way and immediately transmits data to the ground. Such “scanning” at an altitude of up to 20 km provides the most accurate information to study various processes in the atmosphere and forecast the weather. After all, near-surface monitoring (up to 2 meters) allows you to see only part of what is happening in the atmosphere,” the scientists noted.

The simultaneous launch of the probes on the Vernadskyi and “Noosfera”, which was already 200 km from the station, helped to record how the weather is changing.

“This will allow scientists to learn more about how clouds and precipitation form in this area, as well as how it affects the ocean, sea ice, and glacier melting,” the NASC explained.

The polar explorers conducted the experiment for two days in a row, launching a total of four radiosondes. Scientists from the 30th expedition did this from the Vernadskyi, and participants from the 29th UAE and the seasonal detachment from the Noosphere.

Read also: Oceanographic buoys were launched from the icebreaker “Noosfera” for the first time.