Abstract

HOBO data loggers with Air/Water/Soil temperature probes are commonly used to measure atmospheric temperature during high-altitude balloon flights. Inconsistencies between results from sensors mounted in different ways and between results from a given sensor between ascent and descent confirm that there are many subtleties to making such a measurement properly. These may include, but are not limited to, (a) whether the sensors are exposed to the sun or shaded in some way, (b) where the sensors are physically located with respect to nearby payload boxes (and the color of those boxes), and (c) whether the sensors are surrounded by a thermal wake trailing below the balloon. We will present preliminary results from our investigation and suggest some "best practices" for using these user-friendly temperature sensors on missions to near-space.

How to Cite:

Agrimson, E. P. & Flaten, J., (2012) “Using HOBO data loggers with Air/Water/Soil temperature probes to measure free-air temperature on high-altitude balloon flights”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2012(1), 20–31. doi: https://doi.org//ahac.8317