National Weather Service Field Trip

Last week, my parents and I made a day trip to a little town where they make concrete statuary, benches and birdbaths.  As we were heading there, we passed this place. 

We turned around and went back.  I figured it couldn't hurt to ask if they do tours.  Sure enough, they welcomed us in.  Yay! 

The meteorologist said I could take pictures, so I did.  Here she is in the control room.  Above, she is under the signs and the old alert system is in the rear.  Below is one work station.  There are three or four monitors for each person (um, wow!).  Each one can pull up different data.

Outside was the big soccer ball...more correctly known as a Doppler Radar.

Also outside were the satellite radars. 

It was a fun field trip, especially since it wasn't planned.  The meterologist sent her home with study guides for further learning.  I can't think of a better way to learn about weather.