NASA is testing a new device called the Aerosol Wind Profiler (AWP) to enhance storm predictions. The AWP produces real-time, 3D wind maps using the Doppler effect, which has proven challenging to obtain with existing methods. Principal investigator Kris Bedka has conducted over 100 flight hours testing the device along with NOAA. Current forecasting depends heavily on data from surface sensors and weather balloons, the latter of which have limited launch points. The AWP promises to fill the gaps in understanding wind patterns essential for severe weather forecasting.
The AWP uses the Doppler effect to create real-time, 3D maps of wind patterns above the Earth's surface-data that has been much more difficult to capture.
Bedka believes the AWP could be the missing link in weather agencies' abilities to accurately map severe weather events like hurricanes and thunderstorms.
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