When was the first instrument shelter used to standardize weather observations?
Quick Answer
The Stevenson screen, the classic white louvered instrument shelter, was introduced in the 1860s. It helped standardize temperature readings by shielding thermometers from direct sun and rain.
The Full Story
The Stevenson screen was introduced in the 1860s by Scottish engineer Thomas Stevenson, with his designs becoming widely adopted by meteorological services soon afterward. Its purpose was to provide a consistent, ventilated shelter for thermometers and other instruments so readings would be comparable from place to place. Before that, weather instruments were often exposed in inconsistent ways, which made long-term climate records less reliable. The design became a cornerstone of modern meteorology and is still used, with variations, around the world.
Key Facts
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"The little white box that changed weather science forever"
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