The Beauty of the Barometer

Barometers are weather instruments used to measure air pressure, with the help of the column of air above it. This is based on the fact that the higher we go, the thinner is the earths atmosphere, the air gets lighter and the pressure is lower. In simple terms, barometers tell you whether the pressure is rising or falling. Therefore, a rising barometer would tell you that you could expect dry sunny weather conditions, while a falling barometer indicates stormy and wet weather conditions.

Barometers have been used in homes for centuries. Today the antique barometer is a much sought after addition to enhance the look of a living room. You can use the ordinary clock face barometer in your car to tell you the changes in altitude during cross-country driving. This is measured in a unit called hectopascals.

Barometers are typically used to measure change in air pressure in a given area. Different areas of the earth have high and low pressure systems in the atmosphere and this can be read on the barometers face. Taken along with the wind temperature, moisture and signs of the clouds, barometers can be very useful to forecast the weather.

The Italian mathematician Torricelli invented the Barometer in 1645, when he discovered the principle of the barometer. He used a long glass tube closed at one end, which he placed upside down in an open container with liquid. The pressure of the air on the liquid inside the container made it go up the tube and the changes in the liquid level could be used to measure air pressure changes.

The latest barometers are mercury barometers as they are found accurate. Of course, they need to be handled with care since they are quite expensive. The most common barometers used are the aneroid barometers that have no fluid in them, although they are not as accurate as the mercury barometers. The mercury barometers or precision barometers have a column of mercury. This must be about 32” tall. The aneroid barometers use a bellows and heavy spring that expands and compresses along with air pressure changes.

Digital barometers are the modern counterparts of the conventional barometer and are easy to read.

Along with the barometer, gardeners use garden rain gauges. These make great room accessories and gifts. These calibrated rain gauges can be staked into your garden and are easy to read. Rain gauges can measure how much rain your garden is getting and also the amount of rain over a particular time period.

Water barometers are decorative items that enhance your room decor. They tell you when it is going to rain without having to wait for the weather report. The weather glass barometer is a functional instrument that looks quite stylish. It comes with a brass hanger with which it can be hung up. All you need to do

is fill the barometer with colored water to the specified level and hang it on your wall.

Another easy way to enhance your decor is to use outdoor clocks. You get antique porthole clock barometers that can both tell you the time and measure the changes in pressure. Your outdoor clock can be placed over your outdoor fireplace or on the wall of your patio. These add a fine touch to your decor. Outdoor clocks come in durable weather resistant material so that you do not have to worry about placing them outside in any season, be it summer and winter.

Today, weather is mostly studied with the help of weather satellites and computers. In spite of this, however, the traditional barometer will always have a cherished place of honor.

Weems & Plath Westport Collection High Sensitivity Barometer (Large)

Weems & Plath Endurance Collection 125 Barometer (Brass)

National Geographic Round Wooden Barometer

Weems & Plath Endurance Collection 085 Barometer (Brass)

Weems & Plath Endurance Collection 125 Barometer (Chrome)

Weems & Plath Martinique Collection Barometer

Weems & Plath Homeport Collection Barometer

Weems & Plath Endurance Collection 085 Barometer (Chrome)

Weems & Plath Atlantis Collection Barometer (Chrome)

Weems & Plath Atlantis Collection Premiere Barometer

Weems & Plath Cutter Collection Barometer

Weems & Plath Admiral Collection Barometer