The sky's the limit - Meteorology opens improved weather observatory

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Meteorology staff celebrated the re-opening in June

The Department of Meteorology has recently celebrated the completion of the refurbishment of its Atmospheric Observatory, which has greatly improved the facility for both staff and students.

The Atmospheric Observatory, which was established at its current site on the Whiteknights campus by the Science and Technology Centre at Earley Gate in 1968, is used for routine weather observations but also increasingly for a range of research, continuous monitoring and collaboration with other organisations. The site is also used extensively for teaching and outreach events.

The refurbishments have involved the demolition of old buildings and building of two new huts that house the instruments. This has provided expanded work space and improved power and data connectivity, including wireless internet across the whole site.

Professor Keith Haines, Head of Teaching and Learning in the department, said: "The Observatory is an integral part of the teaching and research program of the Meteorology department. It gathers data on both weather and climate processes using a range of traditional and cutting edge instruments. The Observatory's recent refurbishment and installation of new equipment will help the department prepare for new undergraduate courses, particularly the new degree course in Environmental Physics (2014), and increase practical opportunities for all students.

"We're very grateful to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this happen, especially the Technicians team."