AMU launches GPS-Aided Radiosonde Weather Balloon for Climate Data Measurement
Aligarh : The Department of Geography at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in collaboration with NRSC-ISRO, Department of Space, Govt. of India, successfully launched the GPS-aided Radiosonde Weather Balloon today. The launch commemorates the Centenary Celebration of the department and marks a significant milestone in its history. The event was inaugurated by AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon, who launched the weather balloon.
In her Presidential address, Prof. Naima Khatoon highlighted the historical significance of this achievement for the department during its centenary year. She remarked, “This is a historic occasion and a rare achievement for the department as it celebrates its centenary year by launching its first weather balloon as part of a new initiative. This will facilitate our researchers in measuring vertical profiles of temperature, relative humidity, and wind parameters using GPS-aided radiosondes. These small instruments, equipped with various sensors, are crucial for collecting high-resolution atmospheric data.”
Such exercise warns us against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, duststorms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which cause destruction of life and property, she added.
Chief Guest Dr. Jagvir Singh, Scientist G and Advisor to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized the importance of these advanced instruments. “These instruments will measure the vertical profile of temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and winds, providing crucial data for climate research,” he said. He also commended AMU as an institution for its initiative in advancing climate research capabilities.
Guest of Honour Dr. Gajendra Singh, Scientist F and Head of the Central Aviation Meteorological Division, IMD, GOI, highlighted the practical applications of the GPS-aided radiosonde. “Integrated with a GPS module, the sonde provides precise navigation parameters and meteorological observations, which are essential for weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, and offshore oil explorations,” he noted.
Dr. Hareef Baba Saheb K, Scientist SF, NRSC-ISRO, Hyderabad, provided a brief introduction, mentioning that today’s launch is part of an MOU between AMU and NRSC under the NICES programme. He explained that the GPS Radiosonde launch is a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing meteorological research.
Prof. Qamrul H Ansari, Dean Faculty of Science, praised the initiative, stating that it marks a significant step towards improving climate data collection and analysis.
The event proceedings were initiated by Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, Chairman of the Department, who delivered the welcome address. Project Coordinator Prof. Ateeque Ahmad conducted the proceedings, and faculty member Prof. Shahab Fazal presented the vote of thanks. Prof. Rashid Aziz Faridi also facilitated the event.