Coimbatore government school students launch atmospheric research instrument

Students launch an atmospheric research instrument aboard a helium-filled high-altitude balloon at the Coimbatore Corporation Middle School in Thudiyalur on Friday. Fifty-five students from 11 government middle schools in Periyanaickenpalayam educational block in Coimbatore district developed an atmospheric research instrument, which was launched using a helium-filled high-altitude balloon from the Coimbatore Corporation Middle School in Thudiyalur on Friday (October 30).The payload remained airborne for about three hours, reaching an altitude of 35 km and recording a minimum temperature of -45°C. It carried sensors to measure temperature, air pressure and humidity, along with a specially designed Passive Aerosol Trap Collector to capture airborne particulate matter (aerosols).The study aimed to examine the collection of aerosols at high altitudes and understand how their distribution and atmospheric conditions vary with height. Aerosols play a role in atmospheric processes and climate change, making their study important for understanding the upper atmosphere.The initiative was conceptualised by the Centre for Science and Technology Education Research and Communication (CSTERC), which also trained teachers from the 11 participating schools from September. Rotary E-Club Metro Dynamics provided financial assistance of ₹5 lakh.S. Chitra, an English teacher at the Corporation Middle School and the project coordinator, said CSTERC had trained teachers from the 11 participating schools from September. Each teacher, in turn, selected five students from classes 7 and 8 and introduced them to the basics of atmospheric science and aerosol research.At a workshop held on October 28 and 29, the students developed 12 Passive Aerosol Trap Collector chambers. One was attached to the high-altitude balloon, while the remaining 11 were installed at the participating schools for a two-month sample collection exercise.The collected samples will be examined by students and teachers using Foldscope microscopes and other laboratory equipment. The findings will be compiled into a report and submitted to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, whose officials were also present at the launch.The payload descended to the ground and was retrieved by a search team using GPS. Published - October 31, 2026 07:32 pm IST