meteorological instruments library

Meteorology is a complicated science that requires specialized tools to study the weather. These tools help scientists understand the unpredictable nature of the weather. Learn about meteorological instruments here.

Featured Article: Weather Vane

Weather Vane, or Wind Vane, a device that shows the direction of the wind. A common type is an arrow fixed to an upright rod that is able to rotate freely, so that the arrow always points into the wind. See more »

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Anemometer

Anemometer, an instrument for measuring wind speed. Anemometers are used not only in weather recording and forecasting, but also in mines, tunnels, and ventilation systems; in aircraft testing and other experimental work; and in aerial navigation.

Barometer

Barometer, a device for measuring atmospheric pressure (the pressure resulting from the weight of the air above a given point).

Hygrometer

Hygrometer, a device for determining the humidity of the atmosphere. It can indicate relative humidity (the percentage of moisture in the air), absolute humidity (the amount of moisture), or both.

Rain Gauge

Rain Gauge, an instrument used to measure precipitation. Rain is measured directly; snow, hail, and sleet must first be melted.

Thermometer

Thermometer, an instrument for measuring temperature. The measurement is always indirect—that is, it is a measurement not of temperature itself but of the effect of temperature on some physical property of a material used in the thermometer.

Weather Vane

Weather Vane, or Wind Vane, a device that shows the direction of the wind. A common type is an arrow fixed to an upright rod that is able to rotate freely, so that the arrow always points into the wind.