Peking University, April 3, 2018: The 58th World Meteorological Day was observed on March 23, 2018. In 1960, the World Meteorological Organization designated March 23 as World Meteorological Day to commemorate the entry into force of the convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization on that date in 1950.
Meteorologists around the world celebrate on March 23 with events organized around a specific theme. The theme of this year's World Meteorological Day was “Weather-ready, Climate-smart”, which aimed to combine technologies with weather forecasts to give people convenience in working and living.
On the same day, the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences of Peking University held a massive meteorological popularization event at the parade square in front of Peking University Hall. Through a variety of methods such as hosting an exhibition, giveaway contests, interactions with experts, and laboratory visitations, the event enabled both teachers and students to acquire knowledge on the subjects of meteorology, climate science, and the atmospheric environment.
The scene of the event
Chen Yun, Chief Forecaster of the National Meteorological Center, and teachers from the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences were present to respond to queries from the public. More than 40 volunteers from the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences set up 50 different display boards to impart meteorological science knowledge. The contents of the exhibition included hot topics such as climate change, extreme weather and air pollution, as well as the constantly evolving research on planetary atmosphere and oceanography. The giveaway contests were well-received by participants, and the broadcast of meteorology documentaries and the live demonstration of the observation instruments also attracted the attention of passers-by.
Volunteers giving explanation to middle school students
Apart from on-site activities, the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences also made observation sites and laboratories available for viewing for interested students and faculty members. Students and teachers from Capital Normal University High School, Peking Academy, and others who are interested in meteorology had the opportunity to witness demonstrations of advanced instruments such as a raindrop spectrometer, a sun photometer, and a visibility meter.
Volunteers showing observation instruments to students
Written by: Kemerly Wang
Edited by: Zhou Yijing, Erin Dunne
