FAMILIES are invited to find out how the weather is measured at The University of Reading’s Atmospheric Observatory.
Members of the public can take a tour of the facility where scientists have been making weather observations since 1901.
Today the university’s Department of Meteorology has more than 100 years of unbroken daily records including temperature and rainfall.
The observatory’s wide range of instruments and their records provide a valuable teaching resource to the department as well as continuing its long climate record.
Most of the facility’s instruments are fully automatic, with information logged by computer every second of every day.
Tours of the observatory are particularly relevant for secondary-school age pupils (and their families) who may be considering a career in meteorology or related physical sciences.
They last around 45 to 50 minutes, are for up to four people, and are suitable for ages eight and upwards.
Held annually, this year they can be enjoyed on Wednesday July 9 at 3pm, Friday August 1 at 3pm, and Wednesday August 20 at 3pm.
Places are always oversubscribed, so people are advised to book quickly.
Registration opens today, Monday, April 28.
For information, and to book, visit: research.reading.ac.uk/meteorology and search for public observatory tours.
