There's some WW2 analogies directly relevant to the Alaska balloon measurements. In 1944 Eisenhower launched the Normandy invasion based on a prediction of relatively clear skies and quiet seas, derived from measurements thousands of miles to the West. The Germans, with only a few submarine reports, did not foresee the break in the weather and were taken by surprise. Later, at the Yalta meeting, Truman approached Stalin to discuss something very important: a weather station! Truman got permission to put a station in Siberia, vital for predicting weather for the planned invasion of the Japanese Home Islands.
There's some WW2 analogies directly relevant to the Alaska balloon measurements. In 1944 Eisenhower launched the Normandy invasion based on a prediction of relatively clear skies and quiet seas, derived from measurements thousands of miles to the West. The Germans, with only a few submarine reports, did not foresee the break in the weather and were taken by surprise. Later, at the Yalta meeting, Truman approached Stalin to discuss something very important: a weather station! Truman got permission to put a station in Siberia, vital for predicting weather for the planned invasion of the Japanese Home Islands.
Extraordinary, Spencer. Thanks for this.