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Glass Barometer. Weather Glass Barometers. Water Barometers
Weather Glass Barometers – Beauty and Practicality Combined
Understanding the appeal of the weather glass barometer
Ever wondered exactly how a weather glass barometer works? We always hear the weatherman talking about barometric pressure, but few of us remember back to our school days of what exactly a barometer predicts.
Weather glass barometers are actually very simple devices. The barometer quickly indicates any variations in atmospheric pressure. The air trapped by the liquid within the glass vessel maintains a steady pressure. When high pressure or good weather is approaching, the liquid is pushed down the spout. When low pressure or bad weather invades your region the greater pressure trapped inside the weather glass barometer causes the liquid in the spout to rise.
Barometers were invented by an Italian mathematician, Torricelli, in 1645. Glass barometers have been used for hundreds of years to predict air pressure, by scientists, farmers, and home owners. Over the years, the methodology of the barometer changed. Mercury was used to replace the original liquid. Of course, concerns over the use of mercury, the expense of it and the care needed when handling it have made these barometers rare. Modern barometers are referred to as aneroid barometers. Aneroid barometers do not contain fluid. Instead, a heavy spring expands and compresses as the air pressure changes. Recently, digital barometers have become the norm – they are easy to read, but some of the charm of traditional barometers is gone.
Glass barometers are a fascinating piece of equipment, and a conversation piece. Antique glass barometers are highly sought after by collectors. If an antique barometer is out of your price range, another attractive option is a glass barometer that uses the traditional water method. You’ll find some beautiful barometers, with decorative blown glass and colored water. It’s interesting to watch the changes that happen in the air as measured by the seemingly simply concept – air and a surface of water.
Glass barometers can also be very informative with younger children. Imagine the fun of explaining how air can move water, and how this pressure, combined with temperature changes, allows us to predict exactly what will happen with the weather today, and tomorrow.
