This list, arranged by date, contains basic bibliographic data on the books I have collected, plus a very brief description of the radiosonde-related content. I’ve used the authors’ spellings of radiosonde, radio-sonde, etc. These are all actual books of the vintage shown in each entry. They are not digital editions nor modern print-on-demand versions of books with lapsed copyright. If you need additional information or would like any of the content scanned, please contact me.

DateTitlePublisherAuthorPagesComments 
1863An Account of Meteorological and Physical Observations Made in Five Balloon Ascents in the Year 1863British Association for the Advancement of Science James Glaisher, F.R.S. &c90Detailed observations made during the manned ascents, which ranged in peak altitude from 6,600 to 24,000 feet.
1900Sounding the Ocean of AirSociety for Promoting Christian KnowledgeA. Lawrence Rotch184 plus endpapersChapter on "ballons-sondes" with drawings and charts.
1901The Story of the AtmosphereGeorge Newnes, LTD.Douglas Archibald210Mentions use of "self-recording thermographs" with "captive or free balloons" and summarizes history of ballooning.
1902Observations and Investigations made at the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory . . . 1899, 1900.Observatory of Harvard CollegeA. Lawrence Rotch, Director, S. P. Fergusson, writer.239 plus end platesDiscussing the "investigation of the air" with kite-meteorographs to an altitude of 14,060 feet. Detailed descriptions and line drawings of the Richard's meteorograph and others.
1904The Story of the Earth's AtmosphereD. Appleton & Co.Douglas Archibald194Highest successful balloon ascent of man to 30,000 feet in 1894; "no navigable balloon will ever be able to stem the currents above 5,000 feet."
Also have 1897 ed. printed by George Newnes, Ltd.
Two copies.
1908Harmsworth's Universal EncyclopediaFroude-HolmesA. Hammerton ed.--Clip from encyclopedia showing Richard's meteorograph in cage for ascension beneath kite or balloon.
1909The Conquest of the Air or the Advent of Aerial NavigationMoffat, Yard and CompanyA. Lawrence Rotch192Photo of ballon-sonde ascending and discussion of the tropopause temp reversals measured by ballons-sonde ascensions (begun by French in 1893). 1996 hardcover reprint.
1912MeteorologyThe MacMillan CompanyWilliam Isbister Milham549 plus charts Discussion of kite and balloon-borne meteorographs, with photographs. Also have a copy of the 1927 edition.
1916The Weather MapHis Majesty's Stationery OfficeSir Napier Shaw, Director of the Meteorological Office94Discussion of the use of "balloons, BALLONS-SONDES and PILOT BALLOONS for the study of the upper air." Chart showing troposphere and highest "BALLON-SONDE" flight (22 miles).
1917The Aviator and the Weather BureauSan Diego Chamber of CommerceFord A. Carpenter54Discussion of 1913 two-balloon meteorograph ascents to 94,716 feet, with low temp at 49,960 feet. (With photos).
1917The Principles of AerographyRand McNallyAlexander McAdie318Contains a history of discovery of tropopause. Inscribed by author and wife to the wife of Professor A. Lawrence Rotch, founder of Blue Hill Observatory.
1919Meteorology for All, Being Some Weather Problems ExplainedWitherby & Co.Donald W. Horner184Detailed discussion and drawings of the Dines balloon meteorograph. Two copies.
1920 MeteorologyMethuen & Co. Ltd.R. G. K. Lempfert186 plus endpapersWrites of use of anemometer carried under pilot balloons and stratospheric characterization by means of "ascents." Two copies.
1920Australian MeteorologyOxford University PressGriffith Taylor312Photo-plate of 1915 Dine’s meteorograph launch and diagrams of device. Also chart showing highest “ballon sonde” flight (35 km). Movable “solar-control” model inside front cover.
1921Handbook of MeteorologyJohn Wiley & SonsJacques W. Redway294Mention of flights by "manned balloons, captive balloons, pilot balloons, and sounding balloons" and of high-air thermographs "secured to kites or balloons."
1922 The New Air World, The Science of Meteorology SimplifiedLittle, Brown, and CompanyWillis Luther Moore326 By the former head (18 years) of the U.S. Weather Bureau. Talk of "the use of kites and balloons in sending automatic meteorological instruments far aloft."
1924Flugzeug-MeteorographenReprint from "Precision and Accuracy" (Feinmechanik und Präzision)Professor Dr. A. Wigand Halle a.S.16In German. Description, line drawings, and photo of the aircraft-borne meteorograph.
1925Aeronautical MeteorologyThe Ronald Press CompanyWillis Ray Gregg144Notes pilot balloons have been observed above 15 kilometers. Three copies.
1926Meteorological Observer: Students Manual for All Arms, Training Manual No. 30U.S. Government Printing Office United States Army254Section on day and night balloon soundings.
1926PhysiographyHenry Holt and CompanyRollin D. Salisbury676Discusses height of the atmosphere as determined by balloons and various other means.
1928 Aerial Navigation and MeteorologySelf PublishedCapt. Lewis A. Yancey68"Very little reliable information is available regarding the winds of the upper regions."
1928MeteorologyOxford University PressDavid Brunt112Mentions first use of free balloons with recording instruments in 1893.
1930Aeronautical MeteorologyThe Ronald Press CompanyWillis Ray Gregg405Section on sounding-balloon meteorographs and two-balloon descent method.
1930An Analysis of Meteorology as Related to the Operation of AircraftHarold Lewis KirbyHarold Lewis Kirby120 plus endpapersDescription and illustration of "Aero-Meteorograph designed for use with Sounding Balloons."
1931A Book About the WeatherBlue RIbbon Books, Inc.Charles Fitzhugh Talman318Reports studies of "the upper stories of the atmosphere" and notes greatest height of a sounding balloon (22 miles) and a pilot baloon (24 miles, a "somewhat doubtful record from Greenland.")
1931The Meteorology of the Free AtmosphereNational Research CouncilWillis Ray Gregg, Leroy T. Samuels, and Welby R. Stevens65Includes role of balloon-borne meteorographs and photos of same, including Fergusson balloon meteorograph. Notes 80 to 90% of instruments returned.
1931The North American Almanac 1931The North American Almanac Co.Unknown220Describes "radio pilot balloon" used for direction and speed of winds aloft, using three small balloons
1932 Die meteorologischen Ergebnisse der Polarfahrt des ,, Graff Zeppelin"", Juli 1931S. Hirzel, LeipzigL. Weickmann18 plus foldoutDiscussion with photo, chart, and table of radiosonde soundings taken from the Graf Zeppelin's arctic polar crossing in 1931.
1933Meteorological ObservatoriesGeorge WestermannDr. Carl Hanns Pollog7In German. Includes photo of radiosonde (?) launch at the Lindenberg Observatory
1935Instructions for Airway Meteorological ServiceU.S. Government Printing OfficeU.S. Department of Agriculture, Weather Bureau138Section on ceiling balloons and their inflation. Also have 1941 edition with lengthy section on code for daily transmission of radiosonde observations (RAOB).
1936On the Return of the Aerological InstrumentInternational Meteorological OrganizationDr. Ludwig Weickmann29In German. Contains a radiosonde-return card printed in each language of the IMO. With cover letter, shown here.
1937Basic Aeronautical MeteorologyBoeing School of Aeronautics, OaklandB. C. Haynes (Howard B. Kaster text revised)160Notes that sounding balloons carrying self-recording instruments and parachutes have reached altitudes of 22 miles.
1937Synoptic and Aeronautical MeteorologyMcGraw-Hill Horace Robert Byers279Passing mentions of balloons in aerology and upper-air data collection.
1937Weather ElementsPrentice-Hall Inc.Thomas A. Blair401Section on radio-meteorographs. Also have 1942 and 1948 editions.
1937Weather RamblesWilliams & WilkinsHumphreys, W. J.265A brief discussion of the role of sounding balloons in exploring the atmosphere.
1938Physics of the Earth, III, MeteorologyNational Research Council of the National Academy of ScienceSubsidiary Committee on Meteorology289Discusses balloon meteorographs with photographs (see my Old Photographs, 1930 and 1931).
1938WeatherWhittlesy HouseGayle Pickwell170Mentions pilot balloons as well as a daily "special aircraft flight" to 20,000 feet with a meteorograph.
1938Through the OvercastFunk & WagnallsAssen Jordanoff356Wonderful line drawings of the components of the Frieze Radio Meteorograph and of a 'sonde in flight.
1938Glossary of Meteorological TermsU.S. GPODepartment of Agriculture, Weather Bureau18Defines “meteorographs” and “sounding balloons.”
1939Hurricanes into New England; Meteorology of the Storm of September 21, 1938The Geographical ReviewCharles F. Brooks10Hardbound offprint of Geographical Review article; argues for extending the network of radiometeorograph stations.
1939The Meteorological Glossary, 3rd ed.London: Her Majesty's Stationery OfficeAir Ministry, Meteorological Office251Entries for radio-sondages (radio-soundings), with history, and radio-sondes. I also have 1951 and 1959 reprints (253 pp).
1939The Weather Map, an Introduction to Modern Meteorology, 3rd. Ed.His Majesty's Stationery OfficeAir Ministry Meteorological Office861941 reprint. Notes the importance of obtaining upper-air sounding information "by airplane or balloon" to make a weather map that is "really complete."
1940Meteorology for AviatorsChemical Publishing Co., Inc.R. C. Sutcliffe274 plus addendaDiscusses use of radiometeorographs with balloons as "undoubtedly the method of the future." Also 1948 reprint by His Majesty's Stationery Office.
1940Meteorology for Pilots. Civil Aeronautics Bulletin No. 25U.S. Government Printing OfficeB. C. Haynes167Section on upper air soundings with photograph of unassembled Diamond-Hinman radiosonde. Two copies, plus 1942 second edition (two copies), and 1943 printing of second edition. 2nd ed. has 246 pages plus foldout maps and no radiosonde photo.
1940Ground Instructors Manual. Civil Aeronautics Bulletin No. 30U.S. Government Printing OfficeUnknown51Brief mention of value of radiosonde data.
1940The Drama of WeatherCambridge University PressShaw, Sir Napier307Brief history of upper air exploration with photograph of launch and recovery of sounding balloon.
1940Weather ForecastingU.S. Government Printing OfficeGeorge S. Bliss, U.S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau36Brief discussion of "radiometeorograph, or radiosonde . . . robot reporter."
1941A Pilot's MeteorologyD. Van Nostrand Company Charles Greham Halpine220 + insertsSection on radiometeorograph (radiosonde) with photographs. 1942 and 1943 printings. Also have 1970 3rd. ed. with Malcolm W. Cagle, no photographs.
1941Aeronautical MeteorologyPitman Publishing Company George F. Taylor455Section on radio meteorographs with photograph and diagrams of California Institute of Technology model. Two copies.
1941Air Navigation and MeteorologyThe Goodheart Willcox CompanyCapt. Richard Duncan297Mention of Weather Bureau Stations taking upper-air observations using radiosondes.
1941 Flying Questions Pennysaver Co. Carlton L. Wheeler 42 Examination questions and answers in meteorology for pilots, brief mention of radiosondes and upper-air observations.
1941Introduction to MeteorologyMcGraw-HillSverre Petterssen236Section on the radiometeorograph and radio sonde, with photograph. Replaced in 1958 edition with brief section on radiosondes.
1941Instruction to Marine Meteorological ObserversU.S. Government Printing OfficeU.S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau114Glossary definition of meteorographs.
1941MeteorologyThe Blakiston CompanyDonald S. Piston233Photo of Frieze meteorograph in flight and obtuse explanation of operation.
1941Meteorology, Examination Questions and Answers Carlton L. Wheeler Carlton L. Wheeler64Three questions on radiosondes.
1941Reports of the Greenland ExpeditionsUniversity of Michigan Press,William Herbert Hobbs, Ed.54Data and methodology for pilot-balloon observations.
1941Safety in FlightFunk & WagnallsAssan Jordanoff371List and map of radiosonde observation stations in the U.S. (35).
1941Temperature, Its Measurement and Control in Science and IndustryReinhold Publishing Corp.Various1362Papers presented at a 1939 American Institute of Physics Symposium. Paper by C. Harmantas titled "Upper Air Temperatures Obtained By Use of Radiosonde," with photographs and schematics.
1941Instructions for Airway Meteorological ServiceU.S. Government Printing OfficeU.S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau202 plus end paper18-page section of code for daily transmission of radiosonde (ROAB) and Airplane (APOB) weather observations.
1942A Start in MeteorologyThe Norman W. Henley Publishing Company Armand N. Spitz95Section on radiosondes with simple line drawing.
1942Elementary MeteorologyMcGraw-Hill Finch, Trewartha, Shearer, and Caudle301Section on radio-meteorographs/radiosondes includes photograph of radiosonde and ancillary equipment (see my Old Photographs, 1938). Also have 1943 and 1944 copies.
1942 Instructions to Marine Meteorological ObserversU.S. Government Printing OfficeU.S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau114Mentions meteorographs carried aloft by free balloons.
1942MeteorologyNational Aeronautics Council, Inc.Louis P. Harrison314Lengthy discussion with photos and chart of Diamond-Hinman radiosonde and its use. Two copies.
1942Meteorology for Ship and Aircraft OperationCornell Maritime PressPeter E. Kraght373Section with diagram on the radio sonde. Also have 1943 edition.
1942The Observer's Book on MeteorologyChemical Publishing Co. Inc.William Alexander and W. J. D. Allan 110Brief description of sounding balloons using wireless transmitters.
1942Meteorological InstrumentsThe University of Toronto Press W. E. Knowles Middleton213Lengthy section on upper-air investigations and radiosondes with photographs, line drawings, and schematics. Also have 1943 edition and 1953 Third Ed. with Spilhaus
1942Ways of the WeatherThe Jaques Cattell PressW. J. Humphreys 400Brief discussion of "Molchanov's radiosonde as a "meteorological milepost."
1942Weather, an Introductory MeteorologyOxford University PressW.G. Kendrew 96Describes pilot balloons "90 inches" in circumference. Credits free balloon use in discovering stratosphere.
1942Basic Principles of Weather ForecastingHarper and BrothersVictor P. Starr299Cites value of radiosondes in forecasting by noting the elevation of the tropopause.
Two copies.
1942The Upper Air Station of The Central Stations of Payerne Meteorological Facilities And New Methods of Swiss Radiosonde InformationSwiss Central Station of MeteorologyJean Lugeon46In French. Subject as described in title. Numerous line drawings and glossy photos of radiosondes and related equipment. Inscribed by the author.
1943Aerology for PilotsBureau of Aeronautics, U.S. NavyLt. J. N. Carls & Lt.JG. W. L. Mitchell109Discussion of radiosonde's use in upper-air soundings and line drawing of radiosonde, balloon, and parachute.
1943Meteorology and Air NavigationMcGraw-HillBert A. Shields285Explanation of radiosondes and upper air soundings with photographs of Diamond-Hinman radiosondes. (Also uses "1931 circa-Tracking . . . " photo, see Old Photos.)
1943An Introduction to Weather and ClimateMcGraw-HillGlen T. Trewartha545 + maps & chartsBrief mention of radiosondes as instruments of weather forecasting.
1943Meteorology, Modern Aeronautics Activity TextAmerican Education Press, Inc.Editors of Current Aviation64Discussion and photographs of radiosondes and Teacher's Answer Key insert. Two copies.
1943Subsidence Within the AtmosphereHarvard University Press, Blue Hill Meteorological ObservatoryJerome Namias61 plus foldoutsExtensive use of data from "aerological soundings" with aircraft-borne meteorographs.
1943 circa Notes for the Course in Auxiliary Charts and Diagrams Department of Weather, Weather Forecasters Division, AAFCTTC, Chanute Field Enlisted Weather Forecaster Division 67 plus inserts and charts Discusses radiosonde role in upper air observations and notes 60 North America RAOBs stations as of October 1943.
1944Aerology (two volumes) U.S. Government Printing OfficeBureau of Naval Personnel336/296Lengthy section with photos and diagrams on using Raysondes for upper-air observations. Excellent cover graphic.
1944Descriptive MeteorologyAcademic Press, Inc.Hurd C. Willett 310Discusses value of radiometeorographs and free balloons for obtaining data in the stratosphere, includes chart derived from "raobs and pibals."
1944Flight: Meteorology, Aircraft Instruments, and NavigationAmerican Technical SocietyCapt. Bailey Wright, W.E. Dyer, and Rex Martin415Photograph of radiometeorograph balloon launch, and discussion of radiosondes.
1944General MeteorologyMcGraw-HillHorace Robert Byers 645Section on development and current state of radiosondes with photographs. Also have 4th edition, 1974 (461 pp) with newer photographs. Two copies.
1944Teach Yourself MeteorologyHodder and Stoughton Ltd. "Aeolus"138 plus endpapersDiscussion of radio meteorographs and radiosondes and an automatic ballast jettisoning system.
1944The Review of Scientific InstrumentsAmerican Institute of PhysicsGaylord P. Harnwell, ed.552 plus endpapersContains "A Cosmic-Ray Radio Sonde" by Neher and Pickering, with photograph and schematics and a review of Middleton's "Meteorological Instruments."
1944?MeteorologyRoy Publishers "Aeolus,"[psued. for Edward Gick Richardson]167Discussion of radio meteorographs and radio sondes.
1944?Meteorology Theoretical and AppliedJohn Wiley & Sons, Chapman & Hall Ltd.E. Wendell Hewson and Richmond W. Longley468Brief descriptions of radiosondes and their role in forecasting, and examples. Tephigram in pocket part. Also have 1969 printing.
1945Handbook of MeteorologyMcGraw-Hill, Maple Press Company Berry, Bollay, & Beers1068Entry on radiosonde equipment with diagrams, charts, and schematics, and entry on techniques of using radiosonde observations.Two copies.
1945Meteorology for PilotsMcGraw-HillRobert W. Mudge259Description of radiosondes and their role in creating pseudo-adiabatic diagram. Adiabatic diagrams in pocket part.
1945Wings and the WeatherPitman Publishing Corp.A. L. Chapman, Raymond Fletcher, and C. C. Maxey188Definition of radiosonde and RAOBS, woodcut of aerometeorograph.
1945 Rocket ResearchThe Pen-Ink Pub. Co.Constantin Paul Lent98 plus endpapersDiscussion of use of rockets in meteorology, includes photos of a Fergusson balloon meteorograph and a Jaumotte micro-meteorograph.
1946An Introduction to ElectronicsThe MacMillan CompanyRalph G. Hudson97Section on technical operation of radiosondes and photograph of launch. Describes two-balloon recovery technique. Three copies.
1946Meteorology for AllBarnes & Noble, Inc.R. Irving Kohn162Section on radiosondes, with chart.
1946Facts Established Through Meteorological Research of the StratosphereTechnical Intelligence, Air Material Command, Wright Field, (translation of German document)Ludwig Weickmann43Chronicles Teisserenc de Bort’s 1898 discovery of tropopause, photographs of de Bort’s meteorograph for sounding balloon and Assmann meteorograph, cites need for a “close radiosonde network all over the Earth.”
1947Meteorology for AirmenPan American Navigation Service Charles A. Zweng 231Section on upper-air soundings with two photos of Diamond-Hinman radiosonde and launch. Also author-inscribed 1964 293-page 3rd ed.
1947Techniques of Observing the WeatherJohn Wiley & Sons, Chapman & Hall Ltd.B. C. Haynes272Sections on radiosonde and rawinsondes and their appurtenances with photographs, diagrams, and schematics.
1947Here Is The Weather ForecastGolden Galley Press LTD.E. G. Bilham220Chapter on radiosondes with photos. Max ascent (not launch) timed for 00, 06, 12, and 18 hours GMT. Credits Idrac and Bureau as inventors.
1947Drought, it’s Causes and EffectsPrinceton University PressIvan Ray Tannehill264Two good photographs of radiosonde launches.
1948Manual on Meteorological DevicesMilitary Publishing House of the Ministry of Defense, USSRUnknown375In Russian. Chapter on comb-type radiosondes with engravings, figures, charts, and tables.
1948Meteorology for Naval Aviators NAVAER 00-80U-24U.S. Government Printing OfficeOffice of the Chief of Naval Operationsabout 320 (chapter numbering)Section with photos on radiosondes and arowagrams: "65 stations" in the U.S. Also have a copy of the 1958 edition.
1948 Meteorological Data for Little America IIIU.S. Department of Commerce, Weather BureauArnold Court 150 Supplement No. 48 to Monthly Weather Review, covering 189 radiosonde observations made 1939-1941, "first successful use of radiosondes during the Antarctic winter."
1949Junior Aviation MeteorologyUniversity of the State of New York and Bureau of Industrial and Technical EducationCorporate115No reference to radiosondes but specifies blond hairs for hygrometers. (see Feb 1944 Radio News).
1949See How It WorksOdhams Press Ltd.Various 384Article on Radio Sonde, with photographs and line drawings. Two copies.
1949The Atmospheres of the Earth and PlanetsUniversity of ChicagoGerard P. Kuiper, ed.366 plus end platesRadiosonde data from a 1939 voyage from Finland to Argentina, and illustrated article (E. Durand) on Naval Research Lab rocketsonde research.
1949The Thunderstorm, Report of the Thunderstorm Project U.S. Department of Commerce, Weather BureauHorace R. Byers (director), Roscoe R. Braham, Jr. (senior analyst) 287Detailed section on radiosonde equipment and procedures including W-sonde runs. Two copies.
1949An Analysis of Meteorological Conditions at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, Inyokern, California, NAVORD REPORT 1203, NOTS 259U. S. Naval Ordnance Test StationW. C. Ward38Graphical summary of 1946-1948 radiosonde data from “72-mc transmitters, Model AN/AMQ-1D.”
1950Meteorology for Seamen Brown, Son & FergusonCdr. C. R. Burgess 252Description of radiosondes and photograph of a ship launch.
1950The Science of WeatherLondon: Her Majesty's Stationery OfficeD. Chilton32Pamphlet for exhibition marking 100th anniversary of the Royal Meteorological Society. Photograph of radiosonde launch.
1950The Marine Observer’s Handbook, 7th ed.Her Majesty's Stationery OfficeMeteorological Office116 plus end papersPhotographs and method of operation of “the British radio-sonde.”
1950HurricanesPrinceton University PressIvan Ray Tannehill304Erroneous history of balloon-borne recording meteorographs. Speaks of “astonishing results” achieved with radiometeorographs/radiosondes.
1951Compendium of MeteorologyAmerican Meteorological SocietyThomas F. Malone, ed.1,334Article with photographs on radiosondes, parachute radiosondes (dropsondes), and wire sondes.
1951Meteorology with Marine ApplicationsMcGraw-Hill William L. Donn465Photograph of AN/AMQ-1 Friez radiosonde with Electric Hygrometer Element. Ephemera from William R. Liebschner, M. D. Three copies, one with author's dedication.
1951200 Miles Up, The Conquest of the Upper AirThe Ronald Press J. Gordon Vaeth207Discussion of Skyhook, notes highest sounding balloon 140,000 feet 9-28-1948
1952 On the Comparison of Radiosonde Data in Payerne May 1950Kung, Boktryckeriet, P. A. Norstedt & Soner, StockholmAlf Nyberg22 Six types of radiosondes from 10 countries compared in side-by-side testing.
1953All About the Weather Random House Ivan Ray Tannehill148Children's book discusses radiosondes with drawings (including an AN/AMQ-1).
1954RadiosondenVeb Verlag Technik BerlinDr. Paul Beelitz 136In German. Book covers radiosondes and related equipment, with photographs and drawings and extensive bibliography.
Two copies.
1954Sun, Sea and SkyJ. B. Lippincott CompanyIrving P. Krick and Roscoe Fleming248Two mentions of radiosondes. Book inscribed to L. Wilson Ruid by Krick and signed by both Krick and Fleming.
1954Song of the Sky, an Exploration of the Ocean of AirHoughton Mifflin, Riverside PressGuy Murchie, Jr.438Describes radiosondes as "manmade question marks that rise humbly toward heaven as if to inquire of God His will for today and tomorrow."
1954Further OutlookAllan WingateF. H. Ludlam and R. S. Scorer174Notes tradeoff between accuracy and expense in using radiosondes.
1954Tropical MeteorologyMcGraw-HillHerbert Riehl392Enumerates the inadequacies of radiosondes in the tropics. "Standardization is urgently needed."
1954RadiosondenVeb Verlag Technik BerlinDr. Paul Beelitz136In German. Book covers radiosondes and related equipment, with photographs and drawings and extensive bibliography.
1955Aerographer's Mate 3&2Bureau of Naval PersonnelU.S. Government Printing Office419Sections with photographs and line drawings on radiosonde observations and radiosonde equipment.
1955Meteorology and Atomic Energy AECU 3066U.S. Atomic Energy CommissionU.S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau169Discusses the shortcomings of radiosondes for AEC purposes.
1955Our American WeatherMcGraw-Hill George H. T. Kimble323Paragraph discussion of the history and use of radiosondes.
1955Principles of Meteorological AnalysisDover Publications, Inc.Walter J. Saucier4381951 map of names and numerical indices of U.S. radiosonde stations.
1955Your Weather Service London: Her Majesty's Stationery OfficeThe Meteorological Office52Pamphlet. Discussion of upper-air observations and two radiosonde photographs.
1956A Mariner's MeteorologyD. Van Nostrand Company Inc.C. G. Halpine and H. H. Taylor371Section on "radiometeorographs or radiosondes" and photographs of radiosonde in flight and a recorder. Two copies.
1956 Observer's Handbook Her Majesty's Stationery Office Meteorological Office 221 plus advertising endpapers Lengthy discussion of methods to ascertain cloud base heights with pilot balloons.
1957Atmospheric ElectricityPergamon PressJ. Alan Chalmers327Mentions radiosondes rather than altielectrographs being used to measure atmospheric electricity.
1957Dynamic Meteorology and Weather ForecastingAmerican Meteorological Society and Carnegie InstitutionGodske, Bergeron, Bjerknes, and Bundgaard800History of upper-air observations and of the incorporation of radiosonde data into weather analysis and forecasting.
1958 Meteorology for Naval Aviators NAVAER 00-80U-24CNO Aviation Training DivisionU.S. NavySeveral hundred (section numbering)Discussion of radiosondes and arowagram charts; photo of radiosonde recorder and photo and line drawing of radiosonde launches.
1958There's Adventure in MeteorologyPopular MechanicsNeil P. Ruzic166Explains radiosondes and dropsondes and other meteorological equipment.
1958The Upper AtmosphereHutchinson of LondonH. S. W. Massey and R. L. F. Boyd3331960 rev. ed. Section on balloons for research, also discussion and photos of rockoons.
1958Introduction to MeteorologyMcGraw -HillSverre Petterssen236Second ed. Brief discussion of radiosondes.
1959Danny Dunn and the Weather MachineMcGraw-Hill Jay Williams and Raymond Abrashkin144Children's illustrated (b&w drawings) learning book premised on a boy finding a radiosonde.
1959Introduction to Theoretical MeteorologyKrieger Publishing Company Seymour L. Hess 3641979 reprint. Describes the radiosonde as the principal instrument of upper-air soundings and explains how the various parameters are calculated.
1959Glossary of MeteorologyAmerican Meteorological SocietyRalph E. Huschke, ed.638Definition of radiosonde, and listing of types.
1959Dynamic Meteorology and Weather ForecastingAmerican Meteorological Society and Carnegie InstitutionC. L. Godske, T. Bergeron, J. Bjerknes, and R. C. Bundgaard800History of aerological synoptics ascribing the first radiosonde to W. R. Blair in U.S. in 1923.
1960Handbook of Aviation MeteorologyHer Majesty's Stationery OfficeAir Ministry Meteorological Office395 plus end papers.Explains the function and purpose of "radiosondes" in upper-air observations, notes current British model uses goldbeater's skin for humidity.
1960The Observer's Book of WeatherFrederick Warne & Co. Reginald M. Lester 152Discussion of the role of the "radiosonde" in forecasting. Four launches per day from British stations. Glossy plate photo of radiosonde launch. Two copies.
1960Understanding WeatherPelican BooksO. G. Sutton (Sir Graham)215 plus end papersHistory of radiosondes, current British radiosondes described, and need for more accurate instruments.
1961Aeronautics and Astronautics: An American Chronology of Science and Technology in the Exploration of Space, 1915-1960NASAEmme, Eugene M.240Note of 1936 Navy endorsement of radio meteorographs and first Navy regular use in 1938.
1961Handbook of Meteorological Instruments; Part II, Instruments for Upper Air ObservationsLondon: Her Majesty's Stationery OfficeAir Ministry, Meteorological Office209Chapters, with photographs and diagrams, on Principles of Radio-Sonde Design; Meteorological Office Radio-Sondes, and Radio-Sonde Calibration, Balloons and Accessories. Ad for Beritex Seamless Balloons in endpapers.
1961Meteorology for Glider PilotsJohn MurrayC. E. Wallington302Discussion and graphics of radio-sondes and their use.
1961The Challenge of the AtmosphereGreenwood PressSir Graham Sutton231Discusses the role of radiosonde in soundings and forecasting.
1961Tables for Computing Horizontal Distance of Pilot Balloons (100 Gram)U.S. Government Printing OfficeWeather Bureau181For computing the horizontal component of the balloon's distance from the theodolite at any minute (up to 90) after balloon release.
1961Maritime MeteorologyThe Maritime Press, LondonG. E. Earl and N. Peter122Brief description of the "radio-sonde."
1962Elementary MeteorologyLondon: Her Majesty's Stationery OfficeMeteorological Office189Mention of radiosondes as a tool in measuring the vertical temperature structure.
1962Weather in Your LifeDennis Dobson, LondonIrving Adler127Description of radiosonde and it's role, glossy photo of radiosonde launch from a weather ship.
1962The Ladybird Book of the Weather Wills & Hepworth Ltd.F. E. Newing and Richard Bowood51Child's book, one nice color illustration of a PIBAL tracking team.
1962AerologyHydrometeorological Publishing HouseVasilii Alekseevich Belinksy220""Approved by the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the USSR as a textbook for students in hydrometeorology schools." Many radiosonde photos, drawings, schematics, charts, etc.
1962 (1977 printing)A Course in Elementary MeteorologyHer Majesty's Stationery OfficeMeteorological Office, D. E. Pedgley189 Brief discussion of "radio-sonde" readings taken twice a day around the world.
1963Directions for the Use of Artillery Instruments, Radiosonde H50 (Graw Model)Chief of the Imperial General StaffThe War Office [Britain]49Discussion w/photographs, drawings, and charts of the preparation, launch, recording, evaluation, and maintenance of the Graw H50.
1963The Happy Hollisters and the Castle Rock MysteryDoubleday and Company, Inc.Jerry West174Kids story in which a radiosonde figures prominently. Several line drawings of radiosondes, balloons, parachutes.
1963Weather, Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge SeriesBoy Scouts of AmericaBoy Scouts of America60Section on radiosondes.
1964Atlantic HurricanesLouisiana State
University Press
Gordon E. Dunn
& Banner I. Miller
377Notes that beginning in 1937 a radiosondes network provided "upper-level steering data"; states that PIBALS useful to 25,000-30,000 feet. Two copies.
1964Meteorology for Airmen, 3rd Ed.Pan American Navigation ServiceCharles A. Zweng293Signed copy. Mentions radiosonde among "weather observing instruments and equipment."
1964 Meteorological Observations Above 30 Kilometers NASA Scientific and Technical Information Division John E. Masterson, Sidney Teweles, William Nordberg 57 Three papers on observations made above 100,000 feet with sounding rockets.
1964Meteorological Rocket Network Jan-Mar 1964 FiringsMeteorological Working Group/Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (MWG-IRIG)Edward C. Kinsloe III, White Sands Missile RangeApprox. 750 in three volumesDetailed reports/charts of all firings at the three national and three service ranges (WSMR, PMR, AMR: NOTS, APGC, AFFTC)
1965Meteorological Satellites and Sounding RocketsU.S. Government Printing OfficeNASA34Soft cover publication with section on the history of small sounding rockets including ARCAS photo.
1965MeteorologyMcGraw-HillWilliam L. Donn484Third edition. Photos of Friez radiosonde and shipboard launch, and description of radiosondes as 'the basis of modern weather analysis. Also have 1975 fourth ed. with different radiosonde photos.
1965The Upper Atmosphere, Meteorology and PhysicsAcademic PressRichard A. Craig 509Sections on balloon sounding systems, radiosondes, and sounding rockets. Discusses some inherent biases of radiosonde observations. Two copies.
1965Weather Eyes in the SkyThe Ronald Press CompanyJ. Gordon Vaeth124Section on radiosondes and radar, includes photograph of man with "Molchanov-type balloon" (see my Old Photographs 1930s). Two copies.
1966Manual of MeteorologyBureau of Meteorology, AustraliaW. J. Gibbs, Issuer168Examples of aerological diagrams produced from radiosonde flights.
1966Radio MeteorologyU.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of StandardsB. R. Bean and E. J. Dutton435Extensive references to radiosondes as data sources used in determining the refractive index of the atmosphere and related phenomenon. Two copies.
1967Exploring Earth and Space, 4th. Ed.McGraw-HillMargaret O. Hyde160Describes the "radiosonde (ra' di-o-sond')" as "lunch box" sized.
1967Watching for the WindDoubleday AnchorJames G. Edinger148Mentions WWII radiosonde network in L.A. Basin to study fog and stratus clouds.
1968Weather Instruments, How They WorkG. P. Putnam’s Sons.Irwin Stambler96Explanation and photos of radiosondes as well as the transosonde. Two copies.
1968Weather Instruments, How They WorkG. P. Putnam’s Sons.Irwin Stambler96Explanation and photos of radiosondes as well as the transosonde. Two copies.
1969Catalog of Meteorological Instruments in the Museum of History and TechnologySmithsonian Institution PressW.E. Knowles Middleton129Chapter on radiosondes, same photographs as DuBois, Multhauf, and Ziegler. Two copies.
1969The Invention of the Meteorological InstrumentsBaltimore, the Johns Hopkins PressW. E. Knowles Middleton362Chapter on telemeteorography and the radiosonde.
1970Elements of MeteorologyCharles E. Merrill Publishing Co.Albert Miller and Jack C. Thompson402Discussion with photos of radiosondes and a map of the world radiosonde network.
1970The Practice of Weather ForecastingMeteorological Office, LondonP. G. Wickham, M.A.1871977 reprint. Discussion of use of radiosondes in upper air sounding.
1970Introduction to MeteorologyJohn Wiley & SonsFranklyn W. Cole388Calls radiosonde data “meager” and their product “coarse grained”
1970A Century of Weather ProgressAmerican Meteorological SocietyJames E. Caskey, Jr., ed.170“The Balloon in the Space Age” by Vincent E. Lally argues for a Mother GHOST dropsonde system for global forecasting. Notes “ We now have unequivocal data that a U.S. radiosonde impact at 550 kt on a jet aircraft windshield will destroy the windshield—and probably the aircraft.”
1971Guide to Meteorological Instrument and Observing PracticesWorld Meteorological OrganizationWorld Meteorological OrganizationSeveral hundred (chapter numbering)Chapters on radiosonde techniques and meteorological balloon techniques.
Also have 7th edition, 2008, with chapter on rocketsonde measurements.
1971MeteorologyCharles E. MerrillAlbert Miller154Second edition. Brief history of upper-air soundings and radiosondes. Also have 1966 edition.
1972Meteorological GlossaryHer Majesty's Stationery OfficeD. H. McIntosh, Comp.319Description of the radiosonde and its function and components.
1973Experiments in MeteorologyDoubleday Leslie W. Trowbridge270Includes experiments suitable for high-school students including "Balloon Tracking of Low-Altitude Winds."
1974Weather and Climate ModificationJohn Wiley & SonsW. N. Hess, ec.842Section on radiosondes and dropsondes.
1975Meteorological Grounding for Artillery FireMilitary Publishing House, Ministry of Defence, USSRV. V. Kovalenko and V. I. Shevkunov62In Russian. Artwork of radiosonde on cover, interior has graphic showing radiosonde and tracking station.
1975Doing Something About the WeatherG. P. Putnam’s SonsVictor Boesen120Gives history of radiosondes including transosondes and Global Horizontal Sounding Technique (GHOST) balloons.
1975 (Rev.)Aviation Weather, for Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel, AC 00-6AASA Publications (reprint)FAA & NOAA219Explains use of radiosondes to assist in drawing height contours.
1976Seychelles HandbookGovernment Printer, Union ValeOffice of the President, ed.159Two-page photo-spread on radiosonde release and recording at the new weather station at the airfield.
1977Atmospheric ScienceAcademic PressJohn M. Wallace & Peter V. Hobbs467Credits Pavel Molchanov with inventing the radiosonde in 1927.
1977Automatic Data Processing System for Radiosonde and RadiotheodoliteIsrael Meteorological ServiceRostenthal and Aperson25In Hebrew, references in English
1979The Physics of AtmospheresCambridge University PressJohn T. Houghton203Mentions radiosondes complemented by “sparse” network of rocketsondes taking data up to 90km altitude.
1980MeteorologyCharles E. MerrillAlbert Miller and Richard A. Anthes170Summary of radiosondes
use in upper-air observations.
1980Up, Up, and Away, the Story of BallooningThe Westminster PressAnabel Dean192Section on weather balloons with photograph of Air Force personnel launching a radiosonde.
1981Aerological Observers Course in the Performing of Transpondersonde Observations with ADRESTransport Canada, Meteorology Training CenterUnknown53Course in radiosonde sounding using a transpondersonde with the Aerological Data Reduction System.
1981Looking at the Weather, The Work of the Meteorological OfficeLondon: Her Majesty's Stationery OfficesMeteorological Office48Color overview of Met's work with excellent artist's cutaway of the Mark 3
1981What Does a Meteorologist Do?Dodd, Mead, and CompanyGrant Compton77Text and photographs (including cover photo) explaining radiosondes and dropsondes.
1981World Weather and Climate 2nd Ed.Cambridge University PressDenis Riley and Lewis Spolton127Brief description of "radio-sondes" and upper-air soundings
1982History of Meteorological Rocket Operations from the Kwajalein Missile RangeKentron Meteorological Support GroupKentron Staff 6History with maps of rocketsonde launches from 1962-1982.
1982Meteorology at SeaStanford Maritime UnlimitedRay Sanderson227Appendix titled Radiosonde and explaining the device and its application in forecasting.
1983Exploring the Upper AtmosphereNew Zealand Meteorological ServiceUnknown5Booklet on radiosonde sounding, with photos and chart.
1984Aerographer's Mate Third Class (Observer)Naval Education Training CommandAGCM William A. Orvis and others.Several hundred (section numbering)Well illustrated sections on upper-air observation processes and equipment.
1984Some Meteorological Aspects of the D-Day Invasion of Europe 6 June 1944American Meteorological SocietyShaw & Innes ed. 169Proceedings of a Fort Ord Symposium. Very little upper-air-observation comments but fascinating read.
1985 Meteorology, the Atmosphere in Action, 2nd Ed.Wadsworth PublishingJoe R. Eagleman394 Describes function of radiosondes and rawinsondes, with map of U.S. stations and radiosonde launch photo.
1985Handbook of Applied MeteorologyJohn Wiley & SonsDavid D. Houghton ed.1461Chapter on upper-air observing systems by Vincent Lally, including section on Hazard to Aircraft of Balloon Systems
1986America's Weather Warriors 1814-1985Texas A&M University Press Charles C. Bates and John F. Fuller360Occasional mention, see index.
1986Mesoscale Meteorology and ForecastingAmerican Meteorological SocietyPeter S. Ray ed.793Article on atmospheric sounding systems with radiosonde intercomparisons and brief history.
1987Kaltfront, Luftdruck, WetterkarteDer KinderbuchverlagHelmut Trettin79German children's weather book includes a section on radiosondes with color drawings.
1987The Irish Meteorological Service: The First Fifty Years 1936-1986Dublin, the Stationery OfficeLisa Shields ed. 107Discussion of the single upper-air observation station (4 releases per day) at Valentia Observatory.
1990Marine Observer's HandbookHer Majesty's Stationery OfficeMeteorological Office157Notes that due to specialized equipment and training, radiosonde observations are not made from British merchant ships.
1990The Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory: The First 100 Years 1885-1985American Meteorological SocietyJohn H. Conover514Covers the history of the development of the radiosonde in this country, with photographs, graphs, charts, etc.
1990Thor's Legions, Weather Support of the U.S. Air Force and Army 1937-1987American Meteorological SocietyJohn F. Fuller443High-level survey of activities, some specifics on radiosonde systems. One sketch of a radiosonde launch under sniper fire.
1992 The Atmosphere, 5th ed.Prentice HallFrederick K. Lutgens and Edward J. Tarbuck430 Passing mention of radiosondes and rawinsondes. Also have 2001 8th ed. with color photo of ‘sonde under balloon.
1995Calculating the WeatherAcademic PressFrederik Nebeker255Recounts discovery of troposphere and stratosphere, "international balloon days," tephigrams. Talks of "International Balloon Day" soundings from 1896 to 1901.
1995Calculating the WeatherAcademic PressFrederik Nebeker255Some discussion of the importance of upper-air data in forecasting
1995How the Weather WorksReader's Digest Young FamiliesMichael Allaby192Children's book, photos and line drawings explaining how radiosondes work and fit into the "global weather network."
1995Storm TalkSelf PublishedTim Marshall223Listing of U.S. upper-air observations sites, radiosonde numerical codes.
1996Forecasts for Flying, Meteorology in Canada, 1918-1939ECW PressMorley Thomas264Mention of first use of radiosondes/radiometeorographs, use of data from "the new networks of radiosonde stations in the United States."
1996Glossary of Weather and Climate with Related Oceanic and Hydrologic TermsAmerican Meteorological SocietyIra. W. Greer, ed.272Definitions of radiosonde and radiosonde-related terms.
1996Hands-On Meteorology, Stories, Theories, and Simple ExperimentsAmerican Meteorological Society Zbigniew Sorbjan 306Brief History of Radiosondes. Lists erroneous date for Molchanov radiosondes.
1996Memories of the Bureau of Meteorology 1929 to 1946 (and others)Metarch Papers #8, [Australian] Bureau of Meteorology Allan Cornish 92Discussion of early types of radiosondes used by the Bureau.
1998An Introduction to Meteorological Instrumentation and MeasurementPrentice HallThomas P. DeFelice229Detailed discussion, with sensor photos, of current radiosonde system operations.
1999Air ApparentUniversity of Chicago PressMark Monmonier309Map of U.S. Pilot-Balloon stations in 1933.
1999A Very Special Family: Memories of the Bureau of Meteorology 1946 to 1962Metarch Papers #13, [Australian] Bureau of Meteorology W.J. Gibbs259Little on radiosondes; mentions development of "pressure release valves which enabled unmanned balloons to ascend to great altitudes."
1999Stories of the Bureau's Radio technical Officers from 1948Metarch Papers #14, [Australian] Bureau of MeteorologyRay Clarke, Comp.113Numerous mentions of radiosonde soundings and photo of early radiosonde receiving equipment. Two copies.
2000Glossary of Meteorology, 2nd Ed.American Meteorological SocietyTodd S. Glickman, Ed.855Definitions of radiosondes and related equipment.
Two copies.
2000Small Sounding Rockets . . . 1955 to 1973Small Rocket PressRichard B. Morrow and Mitchell S. Pines536Text, photos, and blueprints of less-than-8-inch-diameter sounding rockets, and history of the Meteorological Rocket Network (MRN).
2001Essentials of Meteorology, An Invitations to the Atmosphere, 3rd. Ed.Brooks/Cole C. Donald Ahrens463 plus cloud chart and CDSummary description with photo of radiosonde and rawindsonde observations.
2001Metmen in Wartime, Meteorology in Canada 1939-1945ECW Press Morley Thomas 360Section on upper air observations with brief history of Canadian radiosonde.
2001Meteorological Measurement SystemsOxford University PressFred. V. Brock & Scott J. Richardson290Sections on radiosondes and radiosonde exposure errors.
2002The Invention and Development of the RadiosondeSmithsonian Institution Press DuBois, Multhauf, and Ziegler78Excellent history with photographs, diagrams, bibliography of literature cited. Three copies.
2002Datastreme AtmosphereAmerican Meteorological SocietyAmerican Meteorological Society416Section on the history of upper-air observations, with color photo of radiosonde launch and map of U.S. radiosonde stations.
2003Weather Map HandbookWeather Graphics TechnologiesTim Vasquez167Presents radiosonde observation format for data transmissions.
2003WeatherBarnes & NobleDavid Ellyard ed.64General overview of weather aimed at children with drawing and description of radiosonde.
2004Meteorology: Predicting the WeatherThe Oliver PressSusan and Steven Wills144Presents development of radiosondes in U.S. in context of Carl-Gustaf Rossby.
2004War North of 80University of Calgary PressWilhelm Dege361Discussion and photo of radiosonde operations, which were central to the WWII German arctic weather-data-collection program.
2005Severe and Hazardous Weather, An Introduction to High Impact Meteorology, 2nd. Ed.Kendall/HuntRobert M. Rauber, John E. Walsh, and Donna J. Charlevoix558 plus CDLengthy discussion of rawinsondes.
2006NOAADiane M. Stanitski & John J. Adler42Youth-oriented primer about NOAA hurricane hunters. Good illustrated section on dropsondes. Signed first ed.
2007The Weather WatchersMelbourne University PublishingDavid Day530Beautifully printed history of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology with sparse mention of radiosondes. In the early 1950s, 14 stations did daily releases.
2008 Jumpstarters for Meteorology, Grades 4-8+Mark Twain Media, Inc.Wendi Silvano46 Questions requiring a basic knowledge of the function of radiosondes.
2008Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of ObservationWorld Meteorological OrganizationWorld Meteorological OrganizationSeveral hundred (section numbering)Very detailed technical guide to nature and operations of radiosondes, rocketsondes, and balloons.
2012History of the Meteorological OfficeCambridge University PressMalcolm Walker468Numerous entries regarding the role radiosondes played in the organization's history. Photograph (un-indexed) of radiosonde launch. Two copies.
2012Weather by the Numbers MIT PressKristine C. Harper308A few references including 1925 map of weather bureau kite and balloon stations and 1944 pre-launch photo.
2015Meteorological Instruments and InstrumentationJohn Wiley & SonsR. Giles Harrison257Gift of the author. Lengthy section on radiosondes, with color and B&W photos, charts, and graphs, plus subsection on special-purpose radiosondes.
2016Miss Oak and the Weather BalloonGentle Thoughts PublishingKaren Delette Osborn44Illustrated children’s book on the marriage and divorce of an oak tree and a weather balloon named Sunny. “I’m a weather balloon; I test wind and degrees. I can tell if there will be rain, sunshine or breeze.”
2017Meteorology in the Real WorldAbdo PublishingGregory Vogt48STEM book for kids. Great cover color shot of ‘sonde launch. Description of dropsonde operation.