Vincent Levrat Gallery Catch Me If You Can / Sara Urbaez / March 2, 2018 2:59 PM
Vincent Levrat01Roland listens to the radiosondes by tuning to their frequencies with an antenna he built for the roof of his car. It allows him to drive while following the signal.
Vincent Levrat02An antenna used by MeteoSuisse at its station in Payerne, Switzerland.
Vincent Levrat03This receptor that connects to Roland's antenna covers a frequency from 400 to 406 Mhz.
Vincent Levrat04Test equipment for checking probes before flight at the MeteoSuisse aerological station in Payerne, Switzerland.
Vincent Levrat05Probes and other equipment on a table in a laboratory at the MeteoSuisse station in Payerne, Switzerland.
Vincent Levrat06Roland holds the antenna in the direction the signal is the strongest.
Vincent Levrat07Roland wanders the Chasseral in Switzerland trying to get a signal.
Vincent Levrat08A display case shows off different models of radiosondes at the Payerne aerological station in Switzerland.
Vincent Levrat09An employee at the Payerne aerological station holds a balloon he will soon attach to a probe.
Vincent Levrat10Roland discovers probes stuck in a tree.
radiosonde.eu11A photo taken by radiosonde hunter F1DLS with a probe he has just discovered. Hunters often photograph themselves with their catch.
Vincent Levrat12A radiosonde floats about Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. This image was captured with a GoPro on another radiosonde, tethered to the same balloon.
Vincent Levrat13A probe with its electronics on display.
Vincent Levrat14A balloon carries a radiosonde into the atmosphere.
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Has a Hidden Technological Leap
Astronomers will test equipment that, if it’s successful, will one day be crucial for discovering Earthlike planets.
Meghan Bartels
Japan Is Launching a Probe to Collect the First-Ever Samples From a Martian Moon
The mission to Phobos, Japan’s first Mars probe launch in 28 years, may reveal new information about our closest planetary neighbor.
Ritsuko Kawai
Squeeze More Juice Out of Your Dead Batteries—Using Physics
How the joule thief circuit “steals” energy from seemingly depleted power cells.
Rhett Allain
Dyson’s Next Act Is an Electric Toothbrush With a Camera
The company known for stick vacuums and hair dryers is coming for your teeth. The $499 Dyson CameraJet uses a tiny camera to aim streams of rinsing fluid into the gaps between your teeth.
Julian Chokkattu
The Diamond Moon and Other Astronomical Events to See in September 2026
September is full of opportunities to expand your knowledge of the night sky. Mark your calendars.
Jorge Garay
The Best 3-in-1 Apple Wireless Chargers for Charging All Your Devices
I tried all the top models to find the best 3-in-1 Apple charging stations, pads, and more. Keep your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods topped up with these WIRED-tested docking systems.
Simon Hill
How to See the Partial Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon on August 27
The eclipse will obscure about 93 percent of the moon’s surface. Here are the peak times and tips for the best viewing experience.
Jorge Garay
The Watch World Went Crazy This Week. Here Are the 10 You Need to See
The main action took place at Geneva Watch Days, but others dialed in remotely to make sure it wasn't just a Swiss party.
Jeremy White
The Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on Things
Keep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.
Louryn Strampe
The Best Car Phone Mounts Are Magnetic. Change My Mind
The best car phone holders keep your phone firmly in place while never getting in your line of sight. I took a dozen on road trips this summer to find the best.
Matthew Korfhage
The Range Rover Electric Has Finally Arrived
After long delays, JLR’s biggest gamble with its Range Rover brand is here with huge performance, range, and off-road EV skills. It’s mighty pricey, but the US gets a cheaper model.
Jeremy White
Which Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?
Let us help you choose the right Pixel phone. Plus, check out our Pixel accessory recommendations and smart software tricks to try.
Julian Chokkattu