Detecting Clouds from Both Sides Now

Detecting Clouds from Both Sides Now

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313092056.htm

Sumarry- Traditional cloud detection using weather balloons relies on measurements of temperature and relative humidity. Researchers reasoned that they could sense clouds optically using a simple and inexpensive design a light sensor carried on a weather balloon. This sensor responds to the intensity of light producing a maximum reading when pointing directly at the Sun in clear air but reduced readings at oblique angles to the Sun. As the sensor swings beneath a moving balloon, its orientation to the Sun changes continually resulting in large fluctuations in the sensor's light intensity readings in cloudless conditions.

Critique- Traditional cloud detection using weather balloons would be good to detect clouds but you already have satalites.

Impact- There is already satalites detecting clouds, is it worth it to do this.