Balloonology: Reading Pibals 2009 BFA Jr. Balloonist Camp

Reading Pibals Goal:To record, graph and interpret local wind patterns

Reading Pibals Terms and Definitions (according to dictionary.com): PibalThe measurement and computation of the speed and direction of winds by theodolitic tracking of a pilot balloon. Polar Coordinate System A system of coordinates in which the location of a point is determined by its distance from a fixed point at the center of the coordinate space (called the pole) and by the measurement of the angle formed by a fixed line (the polar axis, corresponding to the x-axis in Cartesian coordinates) and a line from the pole through the given point.

Reading Pibals Items Needed: –Compass –Pibal –Watch w/second hand –Recording Sheet –Polar Graphing Paper –Pen / pencil Team Needed: –Compass Reader –Time Keeper –Recorder

Reading Pibals Actions: –Organize a team of three people and assigning roles –Release Pibal –Record compass direction every 20 second on Recording Sheet (count down last 5 seconds each mark) –Graph the recorded direction on Polar Graph paper

Reading Pibals Completed Graph Example:

Reading Pibals Discussion: –What challenges were there in tracking the Pibal? –What would effect the rate of rise of the Pibal? –How much does the recorded direction differ from the actual direction?

Reading Pibals Discussion: –Would the rate of rise effect the direction? –How could you effect the rate of rise? –Would it be possible to determine speed as well as direction?

Reading Pibals End of Activity!