Investigating the atmosphere with data obtained by radiosondes

Abstract In this work we present a proposal to investigate the behavior of atmospheric pressure and air temperature with altitude using data from a radiosonde launched by an Upper-air Meteorological Station. Radiosondes, atmospheric sensors transported by balloons, are launched daily to measure pressure, temperature, humidity and wind data at various levels of the atmosphere. In this activity, the teacher has the opportunity to discuss with students various aspects of the atmospheric behavior at altitude. We present two application examples using data from a radiosonde launched at the Upper-air Meteorological Station of Galeão (Rio de Janeiro). Such data can be collected through software-defined radio (RTL-SDR), easy to acquire and configure, or through free-access meteorological sites.