Modern Meterology

Radar

What is radar?

Radar is an acronym for “RAdio Detection And Ranging,” and it uses radio waves to detect objects in the atmosphere. It was first devised in 1904 by the German inventor Christian Hülsmeyer (1881–1957), who called his radar detector a “telemobiloscope” and patented the device in 1906. The original purpose of his invention was for ships to be able to detect each other so that in poor weather conditions (e.g., heavy fog) they would not run into each other. Sadly, this brilliant invention did not catch on at the time; if it had, some speculate that the 1912 Titanic disaster could have been avoided. Another concept that Hülsmeyer came up with was the remote control. He believed, correctly, that radio waves could be used to turn mechanical devices on and off. Again, people ignored the concept and he never got the credit he deserved.



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