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Join the Hurricane Hunters for a talk on information gathering during Earth's worst weather
Last year, the Atlantic basin produced five hurricanes. Three of those (Erin, Humberto, and Melissa) were category five storms, the highest level of intensity. For over 80 years, the United States Air Force Reserve has tracked weather across the Atlantic. Today, the Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS) are the only operational military unit in the world flying weather reconnaissance on a routine basis.
Using their fleet of WC-130J aircraft, known as the Super Hercules, the Air Forces Hurricane Hunters surveil tropical storms, hurricanes, and even winter storms. Their special aircraft are equipped with meteorological data-gathering instruments that help to perform these storms tracking aerial missions.
Join servicemembers from the 53rd WRS as they talk about their experiences flying through Earths worst weather to gather information that helps improve forecast models and increase our knowledge on weather phenomena.
This lecture is free, but tickets are required.
CONTACT
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum 650 Jefferson Drive SW
Washington, DC 20560
United States
