Weather-proof: helium carries measuring devices into the atmosphere
The German Meteorological Service in Stuttgart and Essen uses helium from Messer to transport its measuring devices into the atmosphere, with radiosondes being lifted to heights of up to 35 kilometres by helium balloons. Sensors measure air pressure, air temperature, humidity and upper winds, and transmit the measurement signals to ground stations which process the received information and relay it to the meteorological service’s news centre where the information can be directly utilized in accordance with a wide range of requirements. The German Meteorological Service operates eight aerological stations at present; the radiosonde stations in Essen and Stuttgart run automatically. Radiosondes are launched from about 800 points worldwide, some of them on ships and maritime platforms.