Ceilometer

The ceilometer is an active remote sensing instrument generally used to measure the cloud ceiling by means of the reflection of a light beam, commonly a near-IR laser source (900-1064 nm). It a low-power atmospheric LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) able to detect particles (clouds/aerosols) in the atmosphere up to approximately 16 km. the Vaisala recent model, CL61, allow for a more precise differentiation of particles also providing information on cloud particle phase (solid/liquid) and aerosol asymmetry.
Currently the Observatory manages three Vaisala celiometers: a CL51 and a CL61at the Mario Zucchelli station and a CL51 at the Concordia station.