Experience the science of meteorology like never before at the new "How We Know the Weather" exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center! Created by the Baron Critical Weather Institute, this dynamic and interactive exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of weather instrument development, showing how we observe, predict, and understand the weather.
A New Interactive Experience
The "How We Know the Weather" exhibit features over 30 interactive displays designed to engage visitors of all ages in the fascinating world of weather. From learning how lightning forms to exploring cloud formations and creating your own wind patterns, the exhibit provides a hands-on experience with the tools and technology that drive weather forecasting.
Baron Powered Weather Command Center
One of the highlights is the Weather Command Center, which features live and forecast weather imagery developed with Baron Lynx, a premier weather visualization and analysis tool. Meteorologists from Baron Weather collaborated to bring real-time radar maps, satellite feeds, and forecasting models to life, ensuring visitors experience the same technology used by meteorologists around the world.
Features of the Exhibit
- Wind Exhibit: Explore the power and movement of wind and its role in shaping our weather.
- Broadcast Corner: Step into the shoes of a meteorologist and deliver your own weather forecast.
- Walk-in Tornado Shelter: Experience a life-size tornado shelter and learn about tornado safety.
- Read Radar Maps: Get hands-on with real-time weather data and understand how meteorologists interpret radar images.
- Live Feeds: View real-time weather conditions and atmospheric changes as they happen.
- Dynamic & Interactive Displays: Engage with cutting-edge simulations and demonstrations that reveal the science behind meteorology.
Expanding Science and Safety
Founded by Bob Baron, the Baron Critical Weather Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Alabama that provides world-class instruments for public safety, educational outreach, and economic development. The Institute was established to enhance tornado detection technology and advance early warning systems, ensuring communities have the tools they need to stay safe in severe weather events. This includes WeatherNet - a statewide, high-density, real-time weather data network. This network offers high-definition camera feeds and comprehensive weather data, including real-time updates on temperature, air pressure, wind speed, lightning detection, rainfall, UV and solar radiation, air density, and humidity, refreshing every 10 seconds and ultimately covering every mile of the sky across the state.
The growth of Baron and the Baron Critical Weather Institute was made possible by the contributions of several key individuals. Steve Goodman played a pivotal role in securing access to lightning data, which laid the foundation for Baron’s early innovations. Tom Thompson was the driving force behind storm tracking technology and Baron’s cockpit weather solutions, enhancing safety for pilots and travelers. William "Billy" Walker was instrumental in bringing dual-polarization radar into the commercial marketplace and led the development of the Dual-Pol components for the NWS Dual-pol upgrade program, which was completed in 2013. Their expertise and dedication helped shape the cutting-edge meteorological technology that Baron continues to pioneer today.
Explore the Exhibit
The "How We Know the Weather" exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center opened to the public on Monday, March 31, 2025. Whether you’re an aspiring meteorologist, a weather enthusiast, or simply curious about the science that shapes our weather, this exhibit offers an educational and engaging experience for all.
For more information, visit: Baron Critical Weather Institute or the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.