AWA radiosonde atmospheric measuring instrument

The radiosonde is a meteorological instrument which is hung from a balloon released into the atmosphere. As the balloon goes up the radiosonde records air pressure, temperature and relative humidity and sends this information back to earth via radio waves. It allows metrologists to measure changes in atmospheric conditions and, hence, make weather predictions.

This radiosonde is one of the earliest used in Australia. Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd started producing these instruments in Australia in 1947. It has had sections cut away from it and was probably used as an educational model to illustrate its workings. It also has a detailed description of how it works in text on its side.

This instrument remains significant due to its pioneering role in Australian science and its association with Australia's astronomers and meteorologists.

Since the 1980s radiosondes have not been made in Australia. Only imported ones are used. The museum also holds a copy of a related manual on radiosondes published by the Commonwealth of Australia Department of Interior Meteorological Branch in 1949.