Fitzroy Storm Barometer in a Wooden Frame - Drop Storm Glass – BAW1


CHEMICAL BAROMETER - STORM DROP - WEATHER STATION

A unique and exceptionally original storm barometer in the shape of a large drop indicates what weather we will have!

The Fitzroy barometer is an elegant and striking gadget that allows you to observe weather changes in a simple way. It works thanks to chemical reactions in a special solution – when air pressure rises, the liquid rises, and when it falls, the liquid falls. This allows the barometer to “predict” the weather: it indicates whether sunny days, rain, or a storm are approaching. It is a fascinating combination of science and design – ideal for those who appreciate practical yet impressive accessories.


USED IN THE 1750S

Such unusual barometers were already in use in the 1750s. Charles Darwin used the Storm Barometer to predict the weather on his ship, including during the famous scientific expedition to the Galapagos Islands.


CHANGES SHAPE DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER

Inside there is a mixture of distilled water, ethanol, potassium nitrate, ammonium chloride, and camphor. Camphor is the key! Depending on atmospheric conditions – mainly changes in pressure, temperature, and humidity – unique crystals form, dissolve, or change shape in the solution.

·The liquid is crystal clear: The weather will probably be sunny and dry.
·Small, cloudy stars or flakes appear in the solution: This means that cloud cover, fog, or rain is approaching.
·Large, feathery crystals: They signal an approaching storm or heavy rainfall.
·Crystals form strands or threads at the top of the liquid: They indicate windy weather.

WHY IT IS WORTH CHOOSING

·Elegant Frame: The minimalist black MDF frame perfectly displays the glass drop, giving the whole item a modern and refined character.
·Visual Weather Forecast: Observing changes in the form of the crystals (cloudy, clear, feathery) is an intuitive and fascinating way to predict weather changes.
·Decorative Element: The solid frame and aesthetic shape make this barometer ideal for a study, office, or living room, enhancing their prestige.
·Durable Construction: The glass is securely set in the MDF frame, protecting the delicate vessel and ensuring stability on a desk or shelf.
·Original Gadget: This is a replica of an instrument used to predict storms, making it an interesting and informative addition for enthusiasts of history and science.

Product information:

·Product: Storm Glass (Fitzroy Barometer)
·Shape: Drop
·Vessel material: Glass
·Frame/base material: MDF board (black)
·Height: 14 cm
·Width: 10 cm
·Depth: 5 cm
·Liquid composition: Water, ethanol, natural camphor, and other ingredients (e.g. ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate)
·Operating principle: Change in the appearance of the crystals depending on the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
·Use: Weather forecasting, table/shelf decoration

A PERFECT GIFT FOR:

·For the Amateur Meteorologist: A fantastic visual instrument for observing the weather, complementing traditional thermometers and barometers.
·For Desk/Office Decoration: A minimalist glass decoration that adds elegance and serves as a conversation piece.
·For a Teacher/Scientist: An ideal, intriguing gift with a scientific heritage, explaining the phenomena of crystallization.
·For Those Who Value Calm: Observing the slow changes inside the vessel has a calming and relaxing effect.
·For a Sailing Enthusiast/Traveler: Historically associated with sea voyages, it is a symbol of adventure and traditional navigation.


NOT ONLY AN INDICATOR, BUT ALSO A DECORATION

The Fitzroy barometer is an ideal item for everyone. It is a unique, mesmerizing gadget that combines historical curiosity with a decorative element. It is an impressive ornament and an intriguing conversation topic in any living room, study, or office.


HOW THE FITZROY BAROMETER WORKS:

The Fitzroy barometer, also known as a Storm Glass or Storm Crystal, is a historical meteorological instrument popularized by Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy, captain of HMS Beagle (the vessel on which Charles Darwin made his famous voyage). FitzRoy used and improved this instrument for predicting weather at sea, publishing detailed instructions for its use.

The key ingredient of the barometer is camphor, an organic terpene compound, together with accompanying salts: potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride, dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and distilled water. The solution is hermetically sealed, but it does not work like a typical barometer that measures atmospheric pressure.
Physicochemical Phenomenon of Crystallization

The operation of the barometer is based on the phenomenon of crystallization and dissolution of camphor in the liquid. This is a process highly dependent on subtle thermodynamic changes in the environment, which often precede an actual change in the weather.

1.Temperature and pressure: Changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure affect the solubility of camphor in the solution.
2.Condensation: It is believed that moisture condensation on the surface of the crystals inside the vessel also has an effect, which is more pronounced when external humidity increases.
3.Crystal formation: A decrease in temperature (often associated with the arrival of a cold front or storm) and changes in pressure lead to faster precipitation and growth of camphor crystals in the solution.