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Institute of Meteorology at Freie Universität Assigns Sponsorships for High and Low Pressure Areas in 2014
№ 370/2013 from Nov 29, 2013
The meteorologists of Freie Universität Berlin can help with what might otherwise become a feverish search for a unique Christmas present. They are currently selling naming rights for the high and low pressure systems in 2014, when the highs will be given male names and the lows female names. To name a high pressure system costs 299 euros and a low pressure system 199 euros, plus the value added tax of 19 percent. The names are widely used in weather reports by the media. A certificate is issued for each name sold and after the pressure system has moved on, the meteorologists prepare a package for each client including a certificate with baptism date, an individual life story, and weather maps of the vortex.
The proceeds from the weather sponsorships are used to support the continuation of weather observations by students at the Institute of Meteorology. The observation series in Dahlem has been running for more than 100 years, making it one of the longest climate records worldwide.
The meteorologists at the Berliner Wetterkarte at Freie Universität's Institute of Meteorology have been naming high and low pressure systems since 1954. In 2002 they started involving others in the naming process through the Adopt-a-Vortex program. So far, about 2000 people from 16 European countries as well as Brazil, Japan, and the United States have participated in the naming campaign, thereby supporting an important scientific project.
Further Information
- Julia Sieland, Daniela Schoster, Institute of Meteorology, Freie Universität Berlin, Tel.: +49 30 838-71226 , Email: wetterpate@met.fu-berlin.de
- Petra Grasse, Thomas Dümmel, Institute of Meteorology, Freie Universität Berlin, Tel.: +49 30 838-71222