Barometer

Barometers are scientific instruments used to measure atmospheric pressure. A barometer measures the atmospheric pressure with the help of air, water or mercury. Measuring atmospheric pressure provides assistance in forecasting changes in the weather. Pressure measurements of air are used in surface weather analytics for finding surface troughs, frontal boundaries and high pressure systems.

Water based barometers, mercury barometers, aneroid barometers and digital barometers are the different types of barometers. An aneroid barometer consists of a small flexible case called as aneroid cell which is generally made from an alloy of copper and beryllium. Water based barometers were in common use in the 18th century. It is also sometimes referred to as Goethe thermometer, after the popular German writer of those times J.W. V. Goethe. Additionally, mercury barometers and other types of homemade barometers are in use since the past few centuries.

Constant redesigning of the barometers was done to make them more sensitive, accurate and easy to read. Over a period of time, different designs of barometers such as the siphon, wheel, cistern, fortin, multiple-folded, stereo metric and balanced came into existence. Various older barometers featuring exquisite designing and appearance are valuable as antiques. Various antique dealers offer beautifully made barometers from different time periods. Various shopping websites also sell such antiques which one can buy online as well.